New Shelter For Fire Victims Ready To Open

Columbus, Miss. (WCBI) — The Columbus Housing Authority, Columbus Fire and Rescue, and the city of Columbus all teamed up to create a shelter for families displaced in a fire.

The shelter is located in the Columbus Housing Authority’s community center at the corner of 22nd Street South and 8th Avenue South.

All of the furniture and equipment in the shelter was donated by various people and businesses.

The shelter gives a family one to three days to get back on their feet and wait for the Red Cross to arrive.

Mayor Robert Smith said the shelter is a “great asset” to the city and is something that has “been needed for quite some time in the city of Columbus.”

Fire and Rescue Chief Martin Andrews said the shelter is something that he has “dreamed of” and thanked everyone involved for their efforts to make it possible.

The shelter has an official open house tomorrow at 2 P.M. and is also available for use immediately if needed.