, is transforming the downtown parking lot into a place where people can have water, coffee and food, or simply get away from the heat.
"Our program is based on love, compassion and respect," Urban Alchemy's Director of Operations Kevin Lee said."We're trying to clean the streets up ... a lot of people experiencing homelessness don't have nowhere to go, so we're trying to provide that place for them ... and not be discriminated against."Lee said the parking lot wasn't technically open yet, but once people started showing up, they began assisting guests.
Lee said Urban Alchemy also plans to bring a shower trailer in from California that will allow guests to take a shower without staff needing to escort guests inside the facility. There are also plans to install a mural and a dog park.