“The mission of Hundred Nights, Inc. is to provide shelter and crisis related services to those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.”
That is the mission statement of Keene’s homeless shelter, founded in Jan. 2010 by local resident Don Primrose. Nearly fourteen years later, there will be a celebration of the facility’s new and bigger location on Water St. in Keene. A “Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House” will be held on Sept. 23,
But let’s back up with a little bit of history first . . .
Hundred Nights was originally begun as an emergency shelter during cold weather months for those who were not able to find any shelter through the City of Keene – Southwestern Community Services. These shelters may have already been filled to capacity or the person was not eligible for these services. Hundred Nights initially was opened from Dec. 21 to March 31, but is now open year round, along with their on site Resource Center.
Like other non-profits, the shelter depends a lot on volunteers and fundraising. These volunteers are tasked with assisting in running errands, keeping the shelter (bedding and towels are washed daily), preparing meals on the weekends, delivering evening meals and organizing the closet where donations are stored. There is an on-site shelter manager and a couple more volunteers meeting people as they come in.
Nearly ten years later, with the need for a bigger facility becoming more apparent, Hundred Nights began the process of searching for and securing the right piece of property to expand on. In 2020 a purchase option agreement was signed for the property on Water St. In Aug. 2021, the Keene Planning Board gave its approval and construction began in April, 2022. The public will have a chance to visit the new expanded Hundred Nights on Sept. 23. The Ribbon Cutting takes place at 10:00 am with an open house following from 10:30 through 2:00.
Volunteers are always welcomed and needed, as are donations.
To read Hundred Nights “Good Neighbor” agreement: Hundred Nights Neighborhood Relations (hundrednightsinc.org)