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JBC Donates Buildings To Help With City Homelessness Issue

From left, St. Susan Center’s Executive Director Cherie Rowland, Chair of the UCAN Board of Directors Sharon Hamilton and JBC President David Conklin announce the colleges official donation of its building to the non-profits for use as a feeding and homeless shelter for women and children, starting in 2025 when the college shutters all operations. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

Homeless women and children and the hungry may get a reprieve starting next year.

Officials with Jamestown Business College announced they would be donating their building complex to the United Christian Advocacy Network and the St. Susan Center, after JBC shutters operations in early 2025.

JBC President David Conklin shared the news of the donation at a press conference held Thursday at 7 Fairmount Ave. location.

“Since 1886 the college has served the community of Jamestown,” he said. “What better use than for the buildings to continue to serve the community.”

According to St. Susan Center Executive Director Cherie Rowland, the St. Susan board of directors began a years-long search for a new location for the organization.

“This expansion is a direct response to the ongoing homelessness crisis in Jamestown, an issue St. Susan Center has been on the front line for decades,” she said. “The new location and planned renovations will significantly enhance our ability to serve those in need, providing a more welcoming and efficient space to support our guests. We are deeply grateful for the Conklin family’s incredible gift.”

Sharon Hamilton, the chair for UCAN City Mission’s board, echoed Rowland’s sentiments.

“We at UCAN City Mission are extremely grateful for this generous gift from the Conlin family,” she said. “The gift of the mansion portion of the 100-plus year college and community landmark will allow UCAN to move forward in developing an emergency women and children’s shelter. We are excited to accept this philanthropic gift that will benefit both UCAN and our community.”

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