The group that wants to open a daytime center for the homeless met Wednesday to discuss the project's goals and obstacles, and consider a preliminary plan of action.

Key West Mayor Craig Cates prompted the Southernmost Homeless Assistance League (SHAL) and other advocacy groups to explore the possibility of a daytime center that would provide access to case management, benefit information, community resources, showers and laundry facilities.

Officials from SHAL and other agencies emphasized Wednesday that they wanted the proposed Southernmost Resource Center to aid the homeless in getting help with mental illness, substance abuse, job training and other life skills so they ultimately could move into permanent housing.

Other stated goals include a decrease in jail recidivism, less police time spent dealing with vagrancy issues and a general drop in the number of homeless people in parks and on streets and beaches.

Cates directed the group to consider locating the center in the College Road building on Stock Island that currently houses Easter Seals. The property is near the existing Keys Overnight Temporary Shelter, which provides beds for the homeless at night, but is closed during the day.

Wendy Coles, executive director of SHAL, introduced the concept to Key West city commissioners two weeks ago and received a lukewarm reception. Commissioner Mark Rossi vehemently opposed the project and its costs, while Commissioner Billy Wardlow had received phone calls from his constituents at Key West Golf Club, who were concerned about security issues in the nearby neighborhood, Coles said.

The group on Wednesday agreed to consider alternative locations, including the former Hickory House restaurant, which is now empty and owned by Monroe County.

County Administrator Roman Gastesi said he would be open to discussions about the possibility, and reminded the group that it ultimately needs commissioners' approval, not his.

Gastesi said he supports the concept, and watched a similar program succeed when he worked on the mainland.

Rosemary Enright, head of the Monroe County Public Defender's Office, pointed out that different groups in the community will have different goals when it comes to the proposed Southernmost Resource Center.

While advocates and service agencies will want to see people get jobs, treatment and housing, some business owners just want to move the homeless population from the public streets and beaches to a less visible location on Stock Island.

Realtor Rudy Molinet reminded the group that support from the business community is vital for success.

"If you want to sell this to the community, you need to focus on what the average person wants to see, which is fewer homeless people on streets, in parks and at the beach," Molinet said, adding that homeless people regularly relieve themselves on the grounds around his downtown office.

But, he said, many of the homeless residents in his block are friendly and respectful.

The Rev. Joe McMurray of Metropolitan Community Church asked everyone on the steering committee to be mindful that "the homeless in Key West are not all one mind, one action and one personality," and asked everyone to be respectful of the population they are trying to help.

Other committee members discussed the opposition to the project that was raised at a Tuesday meeting with golf club residents, calling it the NIMBY principle, meaning "not in my backyard."

The meeting ended with a division of duties and the creation of operational committees, including one to explore funding options and one to focus on public education and outreach opportunities.

The steering committee plans to continue to meet monthly for the next six months, and then develop a long-term strategy for the project development.

mmiles@keysnews.com