Image from Morningstar Mission / Facebook
Morningstar Mission’s warming centre opens November 1 as colder temperatures arrive, with demand for overnight shelter continuing to grow.
Executive director Ken Alkenbrack says the centre will operate from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. daily, with extended hours on weekends and holidays.
The facility has 17 rest pods and averaged 19 people per night last year. Another eight people typically access services without staying overnight.
Alkenbrack says demand began increasing around 2022 as other options became less available.
In recent years, about 140 people have used the centre, with roughly 60 individuals relying heavily on its services.
This year, Morningstar has secured additional funding for security around the building.
The mission is also assessing plans to move from its current location, including what it can afford and which services would make sense in a new space.
If you’d like to support, Morningstar is currently seeking winter clothing donations for those in need this season. The biggest needs include adult winter coats, boots, waterproof gloves, mittens, toques and snow pants.
Donations of new or like-new items can be dropped off at 58 Water Street West in Napanee, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations will be accepted until November 12. Children’s clothing cannot be accepted.
Written by Emily Chatwood
