Lansing prioritizes temporary shelter as modular housing faces delays

Lansing officials are moving forward with a temporary overnight emergency drop-in shelter as the city’s planned community of modular housing units encounters further delays. The city hopes to open the shelter next month to provide low-barrier sleeping space for unhoused individuals during the winter months.

The modular housing project, originally scheduled for late 2026, has been pushed to 2027 or later. After architectural assessments revealed insufficient space in the east parking lot of the Ingham County Health and Human Services building, the project moved to the west lot, where accessible utilities have posed new challenges.

Councilmember Deyanira Nevarez Martinez expressed frustration over the prolonged timeline and potentially ballooning budget, emphasizing the need for tangible outcomes. Meanwhile, the temporary shelter will occupy a former Salvation Army building with 70 beds, with the Planning Commission and City Council set to consider necessary zoning changes next month.

Read the full story at wkar.org.