Portland's winter warming shelter is aiming to open Dec. 15, and hiring is the hurdle

If you're counting on Portland's winter warming shelter, a City Council committee is moving forward with plans to open it at 166 Riverside Street. Staff say the biggest hurdle is hiring enough people to run it safely, and nine applicants are set for interviews this week. “We've been progressing with different contracts to have the supplies ready for the December 15 opening date,” HHS Director Maggie McLoughlin said.

The council appropriated $735,000 in opioid settlement funds on Nov. 2, on a 5-4 vote, with about $300,000 more from MaineHousing. It's the site of last year's shelter, chosen after an initial plan for a Bayside shelter fell through.

• Other option debated: a limited emergency to expand the Homeless Services Center
• Trespass orders: 52 people can't use the Homeless Services Center
• Staff said Nov. 2 that opening could be mid-December or later

A majority of councilors agreed there should be a no-barrier option for people who can't use the Homeless Services Center. The industrial park option would not turn them away.