L&A County Council tours warming centre in Greater Napanee
Members of Lennox and Addington County Council had the opportunity to tour the Warming Centre at Morningstar Mission in Greater Napanee today, Thursday, Mar. 17, 2022.
Located at 58 Water Street West, Napanee, the Warming Centre is open from 8:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., seven nights a week and acts as a safe place for those who need shelter to get out of the cold, access washrooms and enjoy light refreshments, according to a release from Lennox and Addington County.
The Warming Centre is managed by Morningstar Mission in partnership with Prince Edward-Lennox and Addington Social Services (PELASS). PELASS donated $104,166 to the warming centre this year through the Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF), a one-time provincial funding related to COVID-19 relief that supports a wide range of homelessness prevention measures in both Prince Edward and Lennox and Addington Counties.
As the winter progressed, the Mission was able to add some breakfast and evening programming using Morningstar staff and volunteers, according to the release. On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons a drop-in is offered, with some PELASS and Napanee Area Community Health Centre staff available to provide housing assistance. Career Edge also provides job-seeking support to those who would like to seek employment.
Morningstar Mission’s Executive Director Kevin Alkenbrack thanked County Council for their significant contribution to the Warming Centre. “We are thrilled to have County Council tour our warming centre,” he expressed.
“Their financial support has allowed for the most vulnerable of our community to find not only shelter but begin to make connections with staff, volunteers, agency supports and restore hope for their future,” Alkenbrack continued.
According to the release, County Council expressed their appreciation to Kevin and all the staff and volunteers of the Morningstar Mission for their tremendous work providing the warming centre in Lennox and Addington.
“County Council is so very pleased to be able to provide funding for this important resource for those in need,” said Warden Ric Bresee.