Deciding to close the Johnson Street Shelter was one of the hardest decisions I've had to make as mayor.

The shelter has been a critical part of our emergency response, especially during winters, beginning during the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing through five years of federal funding. It offered a safe place to sleep, warmth, and stability during moments of real vulnerability. I understand what it means to scale back any service when we still see neighbors in need, but the loss of federal money to fund the shelter at $1.8 million a year made it necessary. This decision came only after careful consideration and with a simultaneous commitment to do something different — something more strategic, coordinated, and focused on permanent housing.

That commitment took shape as the Johnson Str

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