County farm warming shelter will be a low-barrier facility

The Almshouse where the warming shelter will be located was originally built to house the county's poor. (Courtesy photo)

DOVER - While one of the county's homeless shelters is raising entry requirements, the temporary warming shelter to be opened at the Almshouse on the Strafford County campus in Dover will have virtually none.

"We don't want to have anyone denied a place to come in from the cold," said Dr. Tory Jennison, who is in charge of the warming shelter. "This will be a low barrier facility."

Jennison said on Tuesday there is no specific timeframe for opening the shelter, but it will be determined by two components: weather and temperature. She said they are still working on developing the triggering mechanism for opening.

The only requirement for staying at the shelter will be that no substance use will be allowed onsite.

"We'll also have to get their personal information so we can give personal support even when we're closed," Jennison added.

Given that it is designed to be a temporary warming shelter, Jennison said it is expected it will likely open and close several times over the winter season as temperatures periodically rise and fall.

The shelter itself will comprise some 38 beds, but Jennison said they don't intend to turn anyone away and if more beds are necessary they'll be found.

As far as funding, the money will all come from the county and donations. Jennison said they have no plans to bill the city or town of origin of those using the shelter.

They also plan to make their entry hours compatible with local COAST bus routes and expect community nonprofits like Tri City Co-op to also assist with transportation of those needing a place to stay.

Earlier this fall, the Homeless Shelter of Strafford County of Rochester said it would be raising its entry requirements to include a doctor's note indicating they are receiving treatment for substance abuse, mental health or other issues.