Guam - The island's homeless population can now have a place to stay when individuals are in need of shelter. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held this morning in Dededo to officially open the Guma' San Jose Homeless Shelter.

The project was made possible with a joined effort between the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority, the Dededo Mayor's Office and Catholic Social Service. First Lady Joann Camacho says shovels were turned less than a year ago for the facility, which will offer a more permanent house for the homeless.

"It's important because with today's economy and the facts of life, we have more and more homeless on this island," Camacho said.  "It's important to take care of them and show them a better way of life and transitioning them into a home like this, hopefully finding a way to get them into a more permanent structure that they can call their own home."

The total cost of the project is $840,000. The design-build team for the project consists of architect Andy Cristobal and contractor Arvin Builders. The facility includes two full kitchens, 17 bedrooms along with other amenities to include a study room, a library with Internet connections, a laundry area and a controlled outdoor courtyard space.

It also includes solar energy panels to keep the environment green.