New community center to be built next to Hope Street Ministry

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A new community center is coming to Milwaukee, right next to Hope Street Ministry.

The proposed three-story, 13,000 square foot community center will be called Shechem.

It's intended to be open for people in the surrounding area and for those living in the ministry's Hope Street housing.

"This building will be a safe place for men, women and children to come and just have fun, to learn," said Ashley Thomas, executive director of Hope Street Ministry. "There will be different opportunities for job opportunities, life skills development, as well as again just that safe, fun place for the community to gather."

The community center will also feature a gymnasium, café, classroom, an event space and much more.