Cherokee County commissioners discuss shelter for women, children

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners at its Sept. 7 meeting heard from Lynne Saunders of Encompass Ministries about plans for a transitional shelter for women and children, according to a press release. Partnering with other nonprofits in the area, including the Homeless Veterans organization, Cherokee FOCUS, MUST Ministries, and others, they would use the former Tippens Elementary School.

Saunders, who said the plan was aggressive, told Commissioners they’d be asking the county for $250,000 in 2021, $7.25 million in 2022 and an additional $2 million in 2023.

Chairman Harry Johnston commented that the numbers were higher than he’d expected and the county is still awaiting guidance from the Treasury on how the American Rescue Plan Act funds can be spent.