LEWISTON, Maine — It took about a year and a half, an election, and several months of planning to pull off what Lewiston and Auburn has desperately needed; a homeless shelter. It isn't permanent and is only open until the spring, but for those in need, it is a lifesaver.
Located at the Calvary Methodist Church on Sabattus Street in Lewiston, the shelter has hosted dozens of people every night since it opened, highlighting the need for the resource.
Kevin Boilard, who runs Kaydence Kitchen, a homeless service provider in the twin cities, is charged with running the overnight shelter now. He said it took a lot of planning but he's happy with the use its getting.
"Your first goal is to get them in here," Boilard said. "The next is to give them comfort and then some kind of engagement."
In the shelter space you will find chairs on the first floor, with tables, coffee makers, food trays and a television. Among the items are advertisements for mental health and drug resources. Boilard said the idea is to not bombard people with pushes to get help, but provide them a clean environment where they can read the literature on their own terms.
He said he's just happy people are using it after so many had to sleep outside this winter.
"You can see the smiles and their happy faces when the doors open and they can settle in with a plate of food and some coffee... it's invaluable to these people," Boilard said.
City leaders have long struggled to provide permanent shelter for people in the twin cities. Jeff Harmon, Auburn Mayor, said the city applied for $800,000 to open a shelter last year with the state3 but it was denied. He said this is a win for now, but pointed toward the future.
"We need to be looking for a solution for a permanent overnight shelter," Harmon said. "I think both cities are working well together the struggle is just finding a location."
For Lewiston, the sentiment is shared. Council president Scott Harriman said city council went through a massive change this past election and noted more work can begin now to open a homeless shelter.
"I'm hopefuly this summer we can get something going," Harriman said. "It's been tough knowing a lot of people are still sleeping in the cold."
The current overnight warming shelter in Lewiston will be open until mid-April. It's open from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.