As winter in Maine is set to arrive, a warming center in Lewiston couldn’t have picked a better time to open its doors.
CBS 13 News reports the Alter Lewiston/Auburn Warming Center will turn up the heat and operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
This is the second 24/7 warming center in Maine.
With the state’s first big snowstorm arriving this morning, leaders of the center said the timing of the announcement was perfect.
Administrative Director Linda Scott stated the center allows for unhoused people to stay and keep warm for as long as they need.
“It’s to make sure our folks out there on the street are not freezing to death,” said Scott.
Scott credited MaineHousing for their role, saying they provided the center a $2.5 million donation.
Lewiston and Auburn contributed their own funding as well, and Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline said the priority is providing safety for those in need.
“We need to take care of unhoused neighbors, we need help [to] get them off the street, help them get services and help get them back into the workforce, Sheline said.
Since the center is not a shelter, there is no beds, but an abundance of tables and chairs are provided for anyone to stay inside for as long as they want.
