Local clergy group urges council to back community warming shelter ahead of winter

Reverend Dr. Christopher Ross told the Watertown Common Council on July 15 that Building a Welcoming Watertown, a local coalition begun by four area congregations, is urging the city to support a community overnight warming shelter to reduce winter risks for people experiencing homelessness.

Ross identified himself as pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ and said a proposal for a public-private partnership shelter has been submitted and that coalition members have been in conversation with city officials. "We still believe that if anyone in our community finds themselves in danger of freezing to death, that's on all of us," Ross said.

Ross framed the request in moral terms and cited scriptural passages to emphasize community responsibility. He invited council members and the public to continue discussions with the coalition; no formal council action or vote occurred during the public-comment period.

The transcript shows the comment took place during the general public comment portion of the meeting, distinct from later public hearings on zoning matters.