303 Lafayette St., Jamestown, which is being converted into a shelter for women, is expected to open next winter.

JAMESTOWN — After several years of planning and seeking funds, a shelter for women is finally moving ahead.

On Monday, work will begin at 303 Lafayette St., Jamestown, which will be converted into an 18-bedroom female facility.

According to Josiah Lamp with Chautauqua Opportunity Inc., Hamilton Stern Construction, LLC of Rochester and a variety of sub-contractors will be doing the work.

“The construction period will take six to nine months with an anticipated shelter opening in the winter of 2024-25,” he said.

The entire construction cost of the project is expected to cost $2,978,000.

Last April Jamestown Rental Properties of Jamestown sold 303 Lafayette St., Jamestown to COI for $380,000.

Back in September, 2022, the Jamestown Planning Commission approved the site plans for the homeless shelter.

COI had been seeking money from several sources for the project. The biggest came from the state when the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance awarded them a $2.49 million grant.

Other governmental organizations, foundations and private individuals have donated to the project as well.

Most recently, the Chautauqua County Legislature approved $100,000 to the Women’s Shelter Project, using American Rescue Plan Act funds, which originated from the federal government, to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before the vote, which took place Feb. 28, Legislator Susan Parker, D-Fredonia, expressed her support.

“That is a much needed project with our increasing homelessness in Chautauqua County, and I think this is a really good use of our ARPA money,” she said.

Currently, there are no homeless shelters for women in Chautauqua County.

The United Christian Advocacy Network had previously identified a downtown Jamestown building for a women and children’s shelter but gave up on the project a year ago after asbestos was found in the drywall, causing the costs to skyrocket.

Lamp said COI is pleased to take the next step toward offering a safe and supportive shelter for women as they transition to permanent housing.

“The shelter will meet a pressing need in our community, which continues to see high levels of homelessness and lacks adequate shelter options for women. The 18-bed facility is located on the west side of downtown Jamestown within walking distance to many community resources.,” he said.

He thanked the many community partners who have believed in this project, to make it become possible, including the state Homeless Housing Assistance Corporation, the city of Jamestown, Chautauqua County, the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the Chautauqua County Land Bank, and private donors.

“Because of these partners, our dream is now becoming a bricks-and-mortar reality,” he said.

Lamp noted COI is a leader in the Chautauqua County Homeless Coalition and advocate for unhoused community members.

“The Hope Haven Women’s Center will expand our current homeless services, which include assisting homeless households to find permanent housing in privately-owned rental housing and the Chautauqua County Safe House, a runaway and homeless youth shelter,” he said.

The Homeless Management Information System, maintained by COI, indicates that the homeless population increased by 50% between 2019 and 2022.