The Syracuse Rescue Mission is ready to open up a new $7.2 million Day Center and Emergency Shelter. A grand opening will take place Wednesday while the facility will officially open October 15. Brad Vivacqua has the details.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The new 24-hour Syracuse Rescue Mission facility expands the Rescue Mission's shelter capacity by 50 beds to host 183 people.
This site is actually the old recreation center which was completed renovated and rebuilt to include a second floor.
This will be a secured site where homeless men and women will be able to stay separately as they get support to get their lives back together.
The facility includes an Employment and Education Resource Center along with a health services wing, laundry room and fitness center. Those in need of help will be able to get assistance in finding a job and get the support they need to get off the street.
"Our goal is that you're only with us less than 45 days. And so we work with understanding your challenges, your strengths, and then figuring out that custom plan for you, that's going to help you access what you need to move forward with your life," said Rescue Mission CEO Alan Thornton.
The majority of the project was covered by federal and state aid along with very generous donors.
Officials say the facility is expected to help more than 250 people land jobs over the next year. The site will officially open to the community on October 15.
A grand opening ceremony and open house is set to take place from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. The site is located at 122 Dickerson Street in Syracuse.