What used to be a seasonal cold weather shelter has transformed into a year-round program to help house people in need during the most critical times of the year.
WILLIMANTIC, Conn. —
Renovations to Project HOPE’s Willimantic shelter are now completed, offering those without homes even more resources than before.
The project was completed right before this critical time of year when temperatures start dropping and it becomes dangerous to be without a place to stay.
What used to be a seasonal cold weather shelter has transformed into a year-round program to help house people in need during the most critical times of the year.
Formerly the Windham Region No Freeze Project, Project HOPE has expanded its capabilities to offer shelter services throughout the year. The newly renovated facility aligns with that mission but also hopes to be a building that focuses on more than just temporary housing.
The new shelter is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, complete with wheelchair accessible bathrooms, safe isolation spaces for sick guests and a technology resource center. There are also showers and laundry rooms available for people who are not staying at the shelter.
A ribbon-cutting was held for the new facility Wednesday morning where state officials and community members came to celebrate the opening. Sen. Mae Flexer said tackling the state’s housing crisis is more important than ever.
“Recognizing that the need is only going to get bigger in the days and weeks to come is a little difficult,” Flexer said. “We are going to be able to meet those needs and this community is going to be to jump over whatever hoops we have to do that people don’t struggle and no one in our region will feel abandoned.”
Officials say Project HOPE is still in need of funding and that there are ways the community can donate to them.
People can visit Project HOPE’S website to make an immediate credit card donation or read how to send a donation in cash.
Jamel Johnson is a Multi-Skilled Journalist for FOX61 News. He can be reached at jjohnson@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
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