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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester City Council is scheduled to vote Monday on a plan to transform the former Silver Lake Fire Station into a day center for homeless people.

The plan utilizes $400,000 in federal COVID relief funding to renovate the building and pay for operational expenses. According to the City Council agenda item, half of the funds would pay for physical improvements, including upgrades to the restrooms and shower facilities, along with furniture and equipment needed to operate the center.

The other $200,000 would be used to pay for staffing and other operational costs for a six-month period. The Landing, a local non-profit working to assist homeless people in the community, would be contracted to operate the facility.

The homeless day center was originally located in the Mayo Civic Center at the start of the pandemic but was later moved to the Rochester Salvation Army headquarters.

With the transition of the city program to the Silver Lake location, the Salvation Army Day Center will reduce the hours it is open to 8 AM to 4 PM Monday-Friday. 

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