BUTTE - Rocky Lyons has been terminated as director of the Butte Rescue Mission after the mission’s board decided it was time for a change in leadership.
But, there was a time when some say Lyons’ leadership was important.
“She had to navigate some pretty rough waters and she was the one who brought us through. There’s no question about it,” said mission staff member Janice Downey.
It was a rough three years when the mission’s 2nd Street shelter was closed due to fire code violations, and Lyons had many obstacles to overcome before finally opening the new homeless shelter on East Platinum Street last summer.
“The old mission was not worth saving, and it was a fire hazard and so forth, so to have this, we have more fire suppression than probably most Uptown buildings,” said Downey.
I spoke with several people who said they did not like Rocky Lyons’ strict leadership style, and that they are looking forward to a new executive director. But many say, they really like the new homeless shelter.
“It's pretty new, so it’s clean and it’s warm. I like that they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and it’s a place to stay and rest your head,” said mission resident Issac Tavera.
The board has not announced a replacement for Lyons as of Tuesday.
