19th century Va church to become homeless shelter

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — A 19th-century church in Charlottesville is undergoing an estimated $5 million renovation that will transform it into a day shelter for the homeless.

Janet Matthews, the new shelter's project director, says the renovations will be completed Dec. 15.

Matthews says 14 agencies have expressed interest in having a presence in the building, either with a permanent location or informal office hours.

Film director and University of Virginia graduate Tom Shadyac bought the property in 2006. He vowed to convert into a place that would provide services to the homeless and working poor.

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Information from: The Daily Progress, http://www.dailyprogress.com