LEWISTON — New Beginnings has received a grant from MaineHousing to operate a new 24-bed emergency overnight warming shelter for young adults ages 18-24 in the Rowe Hall gymnasium at its 134 College Street location.
The warming shelter will be open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 through Saturday, March 30, seven days a week. Every evening, a light snack will be served at opening, and every morning, breakfast will be available for shelter guests before departure.
“Access to warm and safe shelter is a social determinant of health, and this grant opportunity expands New Beginnings’ capacity to provide safety for young adults who are currently unsheltered, or staying in unsafe locations,” said New Beginnings’ Board President Steven McDermott in a news release from the organization.
During November, which is National Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Month, New Beginnings will continue the planning and implementation process. This new seasonal warming shelter will be entirely separate and operated independently from New Beginnings’ 12-bed Marian’s Place Youth Shelter licensed for 24-hour care of 10-20 year olds, which has operated continuously in Lewiston since the 1980s.
This shelter will meet a critical winter need for unhoused young adults in Lewiston who are not being adequately served by existing private adult homeless shelters,” said Executive Director Chris Bicknell. “We look forward to serving our community as best we can this winter.”
Donations of blankets, waterproof hats, jackets, gloves, boots, scarves, and similar items also are being accepted for the warming shelter guests at 143 College St.
For more information, visit newbeginmaine.org or call 207-795-4077.