St. Johnsbury Warming Shelter Prepares to Open

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Created on Wednesday, 14 November 2018 19:21

Written by Rachel Johnson

ST. JOHNSBURY- Preparations are underway at the St. Johnsbury Warming Shelter for their season opening tomorrow evening. "People need a place to go," said coordinator Janis Patoine. "And you know, you don't like to see people not warm, not clean, not dry. They have the opportunity to do their laundry here if they need, and just to get warmed up and not feel so left out of the community."

The shelter, which is located behind the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at 1080 Hospital Drive in St. Johnsbury, accommodates up to ten guests at a time, and mainly serves those from Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties.

According to Patoine, the same people often stay almost every night throughout the season. "They can come in and leave some of their stuff if we know they're coming back," she said.

Along with a warm and safe place to rest, volunteers at the shelter provide guests with warm meals and personal care products. Patoine noted that donations are always welcome. "A lot of area churches are involved in giving something. If everyone gives a little bit, it works. Alot of the stuff we need is stuff we can freeze or put a way for a couple of days because we never know how many people will show up."

Patoine also discussed the importance of on-the-go breakfast options as the shelter closes at 7 a.m. daily.

The Warming Shelter will open tomorrow Thursday, November 15th at 5:30 p.m. and remain open until April 15th.