Amid Controversy Executive Director Talks of Shelter's Place in the Community

A local homeless shelter is under increased scrutiny as a community weighs the benefits it provides against its proximity to an elementary school. In this episode of Upstate Issues, Perry Jones, Executive Director of the Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany talks about the services it provides, which are many. The Mission provides daily hot meals, beds for the homeless, transitional housing, a food pantry, free clothing and job and substance abuse counseling. It serves a community of men, women, and children. But there are concerns in the community, particularly as the Mission considers expanding, that it is already situated in the wrong spot and that it is detrimental to children at nearby Giffen Elementary School. Jones believes the Mission brings more positives than negatives to the community and says talks are ongoing on how they can continue to provide services and ensure the safety of neighborhood children.