SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- 

Hope Ministries, the nonprofit in charge of the winter amnesty program in South Bend, says it hopes to open the vacant Cutting Tools building on Tutt Street by Thursday evening to serve as a warming shelter for the homeless.

The building’s opening, which was delayed while waiting for state approval, was originally set for November 1.

On Tuesday the Indiana Department of Homeland Security approved the plan to use the building as an overnight warming shelter.

Before it can open for the homeless, it must be inspected by the South Bend Building Department.

Hope Ministries says an inspection is scheduled for Wednesday, and pending that inspection, the nonprofit hopes to open the doors of the winter amnesty shelter on Thursday evening.