Kaydenz Kitchen, the Lewiston nonprofit behind the city’s first 24-hour homeless shelter, announced Tuesday that MaineHousing confirmed the release of $2.5 million needed to move the project forward.

“This is a major milestone for our community and for everyone working to address homelessness with dignity and compassion,” said Ruby Bean, board chair for Kaydenz Kitchen.

The money for acquisition and startup costs was initially awarded to Kaydenz Kitchen in November 2024, but the effort struggled for months to nail down a location and operational funding sources, putting the project at risk of losing the funds.

In June, MaineHousing gave Kaydenz Kitchen an Aug. 1 deadline for having two years’ worth of operational funding in place or it would use the money elsewhere. In response, city officials approved a three-year, $1.2 million commitment to move Kaydenz Kitchen closer to its financial goals.

Two days later, Kaydenz Kitchen announced it was under contract to purchase the former Fortin Group funeral home property at 70 Horton St.

A news release from the nonprofit Tuesday celebrated the release of the money, stating the planned low-barrier, 24/7 shelter is “designed to meet people where they are” and will provide access to “essential services without preconditions such as sobriety or program participation — creating a truly welcoming space for those experiencing homelessness.”

“MaineHousing’s investment in this project demonstrates their commitment to equitable housing solutions and community-based partnerships,” said Kevin Boilard, president of Kaydenz Kitchen. “This shelter is not just about beds — it’s about safety, dignity, and offering people a pathway forward.”

According to the release, the shelter is expected to open at the start of the new year, following renovations and staffing preparations, with a goal of housing up to 40 people.

Erik Jorgensen, senior director of government relations and communications for MaineHousing, said MaineHousing is “pleased to see this important shelter for Androscoggin County moving forward.”

“This effort is entirely the result of the unwavering work, devotion, and dedication of the team at Kaydenz Kitchen,” he said. “Their selfless caring for others in our community who are experiencing homelessness is making a real difference and is an example of how, working together, we can create lasting solutions to homelessness in Maine.”

When the location was announced, Boilard said the 14,000-square-foot Fortin Group building “checks a lot of boxes” and is in a more centralized location than the previous emergency shelter on outer Lincoln Street. He said for shelter guests, it’s closer to where social services are provided and can also provide a daytime shelter to help the city address issues at the Lewiston Public Library and other locations that unhoused individuals frequent.

While there are six shelters in the city, none are considered low-barrier due to entry requirements and none are available 24 hours.