MOUNT AIRY, N.C. -- A homeless shelter director says she is finally off a roller coaster ride of emotions. Mary Boyles has been trying to expand the Shepherd's House in Mount Airy for more than a year.

• Board of Commissioners originally denied expansion request
• Feedback from the community helped move the project along
• Officials plan to break ground next year to build the three-story building

The Board of Commissioners originally denied the group's expansion request because the board didn't want to re-zone the property behind them. After getting community feedback, they decided to move forward. Boyles says this expansion means a lot because a few years ago they were on the brink of closure.

"This has been a struggling organization since 2003 and it almost closed its doors and you know each year we're progressing,” Boyles explains. “Last year was just a grand year for us and we're just excited to keep moving forward."

The shelter has plans to build a three-story building. They hope to break ground next year.