First Parish Church, 425 Congress Street, Portland, Will Serve as a Low-Barrier Warming Shelter This Winter.

Once again the historic First Parish Church, at 425 Congress Street, will be serving as a  low-barrier warming shelter this winter.  The shelter is for the upcoming  2024-025 season and will be funded by the  Maine State Housing Authority and operated by the Commonspace staff it was announced by the city late last week.

Portland city staff is working with First Parish and Commonspace to help finalize operating details,   including the temperature            threshold at which the shelter will be activated and staffing to ensure the surrounding area is supported  with regular monitoring.

Portland city staff plans to share the final details of its Winter Emergency Response Plan at the November 12, 2024 city Health & Human Services and Public Safety Committee meeting.

“We decided that the facility wasn’t equipped for that usage.  There are only 2 bathrooms for 100 people and there are several other safety/sanitary concerns,” said Ben Skillings, founder and director of Greater Portland Peer Services (GPPS).  His non-profit has  managed the Warming Shelter at First Parish Church in the past.

For background information, please visit post herein dated February 27, 2024.