SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The City of South Bend is putting $1.5 million toward Our Lady of the Road's Motels4Now program through funding from the city's American Rescue Plan distribution.

The $1.5 million will go toward increasing security measures for the program.

City leaders are currently working with Motels4Now and other homeless service providers to plan a permanent low-barrier intake center to replace the current temporary shelter on Lincolnway West.

In addition to the $1.5 million, the city is using another $1 million from the American Rescue Plan to support renovations to the Center for the Homeless's Michigan Street location.

The center is being renovated to accommodate weather amnesty services and will serve as the primary weather amnesty location in South Bend come winter 2023.

“These shelter services are critical to our housing first approach, which provides dignity and needed support to our neighbors experiencing homelessness,” said Mayor James Mueller. “We cannot go back to large tent encampments in South Bend. I am thankful that The Center for the Homeless and Our Lady of the Road are stepping up to meet this need in our community.”