In a recent government meeting, officials expressed optimism regarding the establishment of a new emergency shelter in the downtown area, set to open on September 1. The initiative, spearheaded by local Catholic charities, aims to address pressing community needs following financial challenges faced by the previous shelter, Bartlett House.

The discussions highlighted the urgency of providing essential services to vulnerable populations in the town and county, emphasizing the importance of having an emergency shelter available. The collaboration between the charities and MCR, the landlord of Hazel's House of Hope, was praised for facilitating the agreement necessary to move forward with the project.

Officials noted that while the initial funding support is crucial, there is a plan to gradually reduce financial contributions over the coming years, with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency for the shelter, similar to the operational model of Bartlett House in the past.

The meeting concluded with unanimous support for the initiative, reflecting a collective commitment to enhancing community welfare and addressing homelessness in the area.