PINEVILLE — The Bell County Emergency and Homeless Shelter was at one time the last hope for people who found themselves in the unfortunate situation of being homeless and in Bell County. That “last hope” no longer exists, the homeless shelter officially closed several months ago. Local churches and organizations come up short when homeless families request assistance and housing.

The shelter reportedly closed due to a loss of funding. Shelter management requested donations from local churches, civic clubs and societies prior to closing. Unfortunately, they were unable to solicit enough money necessary to maintain their facility.

“I think the shelter closed because people were not understanding what it was about,” said Bell County Emergency and Homeless Shelter Vice President Joyce Wichman.

Wichman said shelter management tried to “focus on a spiritual, faith-based environment” for their guests; but the “community wasn’t very receptive” to the shelter’s rules for occupants.

Many who sought refuge at the Bell County Emergency and Homeless Shelter were turned away because of their criminal history or substance abuse problems.

“We are very careful about the people we take into our shelter. It is not a flop house,” said former Shelter Director Richard Witherite in an interview regarding the shelter’s financial stability and occupants in 2007.

After seven and a half years of operation and after exhausting every effort to obtain funds, shelter employees began to deny admittance to everyone who requested to stay at the shelter. The last overnight stay at the homeless shelter was in May 2008. More recently, the shelter’s beds, linens and supplies were donated to a homeless shelter in Knox Co. The shelter’s thrift shop remains open, but will soon face a closing date, according to Wichman.

“We didn’t want to give up on it,” Wichman said, but the financial difficulties that the operation faced were insurmountable.

The shelter building, located in downtown Pineville, is currently for sale. Wichman said they’ve had several inquiries about the building, but none of those interested indicate that they may re-open the homeless shelter. However, Pineville officials say they are hopeful that the shelter will some day re-open.

Sarah Miracle is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be reached via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com.

Above: The Bell County Emergency and Homeless Shelter, located in Pineville, has officially closed its doors. The shelter donated their beds, linens and supplies to KCEOC in Knox County after exhausting the possibility of maintaining the Bell Co. facility. (File Photo)