For more than 25 years, the Open Door Mission has helped those in need in the Glens Falls region with everything from hot meals to finding assistance services and even a shoulder to cry on. This past January, the Mission announced plans for program expansion at a newly acquired building. On August 28th, they broke ground on Phase I Construction and Renovation of the old Warren Furniture building at 226 Warren Street in Glens Falls.
What Phase I Will Bring
The expansion project will allow the Mission to expand their services and better serve the community. Phase I plans include infrastructure work to build out space for the shelter, dayroom, classroom, and Mission offices. Once complete, it will be the first winter the Mission can operate Code Blue for men & women under their own roof, particularly important for this upcoming winter as former Code Blue locations are no longer available. Phase II, slated for 2018, will bring the chapel, food pantry, and dining room with seating for 100 people. Their present dining room is meant to seat 30 but often holds closer to 60 people during meal times.
Phase III and IV plans include additional services such as the men’s emergency shelter and men’s recovery program floor which will aim to aid men in overcoming addiction, mental health issues, and lack of job skills. These phases will require additional funding, but CEO Kim Cook stated in a press release, “If the community comes around us to ensure full funding of Phase I and II, the rest will become a reality. We’ve pared this initial $800,000 Phase back to $600,000 but we’d like to see it funded as fully envisioned.”
Support From The Community
This project has garnered support from local businesses, not-for-profit groups, and community members alike. Funding has come from the Glens Falls Foundation and Adirondack Health Institute Performing Provider System (AHI PPS) and community leaders. Hilltop Construction will be completing each step of Phase I’s renovation and construction.
Open Door Mission is continuing their Pathway Home Campaign to secure additional funding for the project.
Volunteers Needed!
The Open Door will be serving breakfast to attendees of the 2017 Adirondack Balloon Festival on Saturday September 23rd and Sunday September 24th. Volunteers are needed to help prep, cook, and serve breakfast starting at 4:00am at the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport.
Get details on volunteering for breakfast at the Adirondack Balloon Festival »
