CINCINNATI — The Queensgate Jail has been closed for 12 years, but through some creative thinking, it is now being repurposed to benefit the homeless population in Cincinnati.

What You Need To Know

  • Maslow’s Army is transforming the old Queensgate Jail into a day center for the homeless

  • The day center will operate for the next three to four months

  • Maslow’s Army will offer rehabilitative services to transition homeless back into society

  • The day center plans to open Dec. 15

Sam Landis, co-founder and president of Maslow’s Army, a homeless outreach nonprofit organization, has agreed to lease part of the building to turn it into a day center.

“Our primary purpose is to get people off the street. To keep them warm and safe this winter season,” Landis said. “With not many options due to the pandemic, and the options they have are very limited and restricted, we wanted to offer a place seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., that they could come in and get warm.”

But for Sam, this space holds significant personal value as Sam spent 20 years of his life homeless.

“Often you find yourself in places you’re not welcome, and you get trespassing charges,” Landis said. “Ironically enough, for a trespassing charge, I was locked up in this facility. To be once an inmate here at the Queensgate facility, under the sheriff’s jurisdiction, to now having the option of helping others through the same facility, that get to go in and come out freely, is a humbling thing. I have to thank God for that.”

He said Maslow’s Army has leased the space for three to four months to provide shelter and assistance during the coldest months of the year.

It will be named the Maslow’s Army Todd B. Portune Memorial Winter Day-Center, named for late Hamilton County Commissioner Todd B. Portune because of his very close relationship with Maslow’s Army and his deep and committed work to humanity.

Volunteer Brian Garry said it’s a wonderful thing to see the transformation of this building.

“It used to be a place that kept people captive, but now it’s going to be a place that sets people free,” Garry said. “Freedom from homelessness, freedom from addiction, you know a place where people can get the mental health that they need. Mental health because all those do play parts in homelessness.”

Landis said the doors will open on Dec. 15, which means there is a lot of work ahead of them, but it’s a challenge they’re up for.

“We’re used to flying by the seat of our pants, setting things up very quickly,” Landis said. “This right here, I think this will be very simple.”