Housing Assistance asks Barnstable CPC for $100,000 toward Hyannis shelter renovation

Housing Assistance requested $100,000 from the Barnstable Community Preservation Committee on July 16 to help fund a $1,800,000 renovation of 460 West Main Street in Hyannis that would become the Assistance Resource Center, a 50‑bed emergency shelter and medical‑respite site operated by Catholic Charities with on‑site behavioral and medical services from Duffy Health Center.

Patty Mitrokostas, principal director of strategic funding for Housing Assistance, told the committee the project is a relocation and modernization of the current Winter Street (Saint Joseph's) shelter and that the renovated ARC will provide single beds, more space per person and a structured day program intended to connect guests to longer‑term housing and support. “We are asking $100,000 towards a $1,800,000 renovation,” Mitrokostas said, adding that the new facility would include medical respite provided by Duffy and would serve individuals from communities across Cape Cod, including Dennis.

The presenters said the building was purchased with ARPA funds through a competitive Barnstable County grant for $3,000,000 and that MassDevelopment provided roughly $354,000 toward the renovation; they listed additional private foundation awards and town contributions that together bring the project to about two‑thirds of the requested renovation budget. Mitrokostas said Bourne, Brewster and Chatham each awarded $100,000, Truro awarded $20,000 and a Boston foundation (Charlesbank Holmes Foundation) awarded $100,000; Sandwich and other towns had pending or planned applications.

Committee members pressed for details before making a recommendation. Several members asked whether the town should require a deed or affordable‑housing restriction that would run in perpetuity for the benefit of Dennis or another specific town; Mitrokostas said the property’s use is already limited by the terms of the ARPA purchase and that Housing Assistance is willing to discuss deed‑restriction language and run it by legal counsel. “Because it was purchased with ARPA funds…we cannot use that floor currently as it is right now for anything but a homeless shelter,” she said.

Members also asked about local opposition in Barnstable, screening of guests, proximity to schools and the project’s legal standing. Mitrokostas told the committee that an appeal to the zoning board of appeals related to use under the Dover Amendment is scheduled next week and agreed to provide the ZBA outcome and the opinion language to the CPC prior to its next meeting. She described safety measures including security cameras, fences, a partnership with Barnstable Police and a separate outreach team that coordinates placement and transportation.

Several participants urged the committee to fund the renovation despite concerns. Josh, who identified himself as a member new to the CPC and a former community‑health‑center employee, cited experience transporting people to Winter Street and said better facilities and wraparound services could improve outcomes. Mitrokostas confirmed the new ARC would maintain the existing capacity—50 beds—while improving privacy and accessibility.

The presenters agreed to email an updated construction timeline, a line‑item $1.8 million budget, a list of funders and, after next week’s hearing, the ZBA outcome. The committee scheduled a procedural vote next week to send the request to the select board for possible placement on the October town meeting warrant; the CPC will consider those materials before making a final recommendation. The CPC adjourned by unanimous roll call at the end of the session.

Authorities and legal references discussed at the meeting included the ARPA funding conditions on the building purchase, the Dover Amendment (state land‑use exemption referenced in relation to the ZBA appeal) and the public meeting notice citing GL chapter 30A §18‑25 and chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023 (amended 03/28/2025).