NEWS: Calvo Tenorio look to shelter homeless
Administration looks to private sector lease in central Guam.
July 25, 2017 (Hagåtña) — Governor Eddie Calvo has called on Guam Housing Corporation President Chris Duenas to solicit interest from private sector landlords to lease an apartment building in central Guam. The building would serve to house Guam’s homeless population and those in need of shelter in the evenings.
The administration is looking for a landlord who is interested in renting an apartment complex 15 units or more in size.
The proposed plan is outlined as follows:
Ø Provide safe evening shelter and place to shower in the evening.
Ø Facility users would check into the facility in the evening and check out in the morning. The facility is not intended to serve as a long-term housing solution.
Ø The shelter would also allow police officers to drop off those who have taken shelter in public places in the evening- such as parks and local businesses.
Ø The facility would also serve as a hub for faith-based organizations, NGO’s and social services to assist clients in getting back on their feet.
Ø It would also serve as a pickup point for daily job opportunities as well as employment programs.
“From time to time we have seen a family that needs a temporary place to stay due to an unforeseen circumstance, or an unfortunate soul sleeping in a public park,” Governor Calvo stated. “This proposed facility would serve this temporary need by providing safe shelter in the evenings for those who are in need.”
“The homeless issue is a complex. The first part of the plan is to simply provide evening shelter for those in need, and eventually evolve into a hub of services for our people to get back on their feet,” the Lt. Governor Tenorio said.
GHC President Chris Duenas will be working with his agency to identify landlords interested in this program. “I will work with my board to see this plan through and ensure that we fill this important housing need in the community,” Duenas said.
A Request for Interest will be published by Guam Housing Corporation to solicit interest. Based on this feedback, the Administration will work on identifying funding and then securing a facility.
