After some comments about unhoused people using The Warming Shelter were made during the Sioux City Council meeting on Monday, the executive director of the shelter pushed back.
Council member Rick Bertrand said an anonymous former client told him that the warming shelter operates differently in the morning versus the evening.
Bertrand said the person relayed information that it takes on a feel of a small prison at night, pointing out that staff members turn their heads to drug use, and that grooming and prostitution is taking place.
He urged donors to consider what their funds are going towards and to do some internal investigation.
“Our main concern is not to find new buildings and new locations and to house the homeless. Our job is to create a safe environment in downtown to promote commerce and cleanliness, that’s it,” said Bertrand.
Shayla Moore, executive director of the warming shelter, in a video addressed the issues saying Bertrand's information was false.
Moore said that the shelter provides services to about 120 to 130 people per night, and about 90 percent of those clients are sober and have an active housing plan.
Moore added that the majority of the staff has experienced homelessness themselves in the past and serve as a role model to others.
She said The Warming Shelter has barely any requirements to receive services. However their main rules for people to receive shelter is no drugs, alcohol, or paraphernalia.
Moore stated there is no grooming taking place, and that families have their own space that locks to ensure safety,
She mentioned the facility is under 24/7 surveillance at all times to provide oversight and make sure things are not slipping through the cracks.
Moore ended with if donors pulled their funding from the shelter it would be detrimental to the people who rely on their services.
