Groundbreaking for new multi-purpose homeless shelter in Lewiston

LEWISTON (WGME) – A major groundbreaking took place in the snow in Lewiston on Thursday, the first steps toward a new multi-purpose homeless shelter for the city.

The new Trinity Jubilee Center is just one of the new facilities in Lewiston that will help address the growing homeless population.

The new facility will provide day shelter, food, medical services, employment, immigration assistance and more.

The new 10,000-square-foot building will be constructed at 123 Bates Street, just a few blocks from Kennedy Park.

But it’s just one of several new resources in the city to help the homeless community.

Just last month, an overnight warming room opened in the former Schememenges Bar and Grille.

But the current Jubilee Center, located in the basement of a church, is the only day shelter in Lewiston.

The center’s executive director says there is a great need for it in Lewiston.

“We are very grateful to be able to feed and house many people, but we want people to go beyond that and get jobs and mental health support,” said Erin Reed, executive director of Trinity Jubilee Center. “They need the medical care, I mean that’s been a real challenge in our current environment, it’s really small.”

With help from the state and local institutions, the center has raised nearly $4.5 million for the project.

There is not yet a date for the completion of the facility.