Charlottesville Shelter Opens September 1 | Charlottesville News

Charlottesville is set to open its new low-barrier homeless shelter on Holiday Drive September 1st, despite pushback from local businesses and a request to delay. City Manager Sam Sanders insists the facility — funded with $4 million and staffed by an outside agency — is safe, structured, and necessary as the city prepares to clear encampments near the Free Bridge. While business owners worry about safety and insurance costs, Sanders says armed staff won’t be present but security and transport will be handled by the operating agency. He rejects the need for 24-hour police presence, comparing the shelter to other city facilities, and assures businesses they’ll have direct contact for non-emergency support. A $3.2 million contract with the operator is still being finalized, but Sanders remains confident the shelter will launch on schedule with full safety measures in place. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5d25633a81e66dab