WATERVILLE (AP) — A new 40-bed homeless shelter is almost ready to open in Waterville, and guests could move in within a couple of weeks.

The Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter on Colby Street is scheduled to host an open house next week with a speech by Gov. Paul R. LePage.

Betty Palmer, the shelter’s executive director, said the facility was able to open thanks to the generosity of the community, who donated time, effort and money

The Morning sentinel reported that the 16,600-square-foot facility has a program resource room where guests can take classes in parenting, finances, healing arts and other topics and attend Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

The shelter also connects the homeless with resources and helps them find jobs and permanent places to live.