The homeless shelter that will house up to 17 families operated by the Bremerton Salvation Army is set to open at the former Bremerton Municipal Court building sometime next week.

“We’re not warehousing people,” Maj. Jim Baker with Bremerton Salvation Army said at a town hall meeting Tuesday. “These are people who are motivated to get out of homelessness.”

The meeting drew about 20 people who addressed potential concerns and support for having a homeless shelter at the building at 900 Pacific Ave. Some of the concerns nearby businesses owners had included safety and parking. However, the overall attitude was positive for the operation.

“I don’t have an issue at all,” said Julie Johnson, who lives near the soon-to-be shelter. “All the neighbors know each other. We talk to each other and take care of each other.”

Kitsap Community Resources will be offering case management for all families who stay at the shelter. The shelter will be temporary and last for six months.