LEBANON, Vt. (WCAX) – As temperatures remain below freezing in the immediate forecast, a homeless shelter in Lebanon is opening this week.
The overnight shelter on Mechanic Street was supposed to open back in December but officials say they were unable to find adequate staffing. Now, it will open on Wednesday with 13 beds available on a first-come first-serve basis. Pets are welcome if they are well-behaved and up-to-date on vaccines.
New Hampshire municipalities are required by law to provide emergency housing for those who need it. “It is an incredibly important and life-saving shelter. Ideally, we would have housing for all, but in the meantime, we have to keep people alive,” said Lynne Goodwin, Lebanon’s human services director.
During the last five weeks, Lebanon has housed 19 people — including two children — in hotel rooms.
The Haven, a White River Junction-based organization will operate the shelter.