GREENFIELD — ServiceNet has closed its warming center and expanded its use of space at its Wells Street shelter to consolidate staff and accommodate guests while adhering to social distancing guidelines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The non-profit human service agency shut down the Chapman Street warming center after serving people Tuesday night. Amy Timmins, ServiceNet’s vice president of community relations, said that instead, the shelter at 60 Wells St. is opening up its second floor to provide more space between guests.
“This is a temporary arrangement that we have made in partnership with the city of Greenfield,” she said.
Timmins said there will be 21 beds on the first and second floors. As of Wednesday, she was confident all beds were spoken for, but said anyone with questions about availability can call the center’s hotline at 413-587-7555.
Timmins said community volunteers have been serving hot meals at the warming center three days a week and will continue this work at the Wells Street shelter until the end of the month. She also said ServiceNet is working with the Salvation Army to provide guests with breakfast and dinner each day.
Timmins said community members interested in helping can volunteer to fill relief positions at the Wells Street shelter and at ServiceNet’s two recovery houses. Opportunities can also be found on Indeed.com, she said.
Anyone willing to donate can visit servicenet.org/donate. Timmins said the shelter needs cloth masks, disinfectant sprays and wipes, and non-perishable food. These items can be dropped off by leaving them on the porch at 60 Wells St. and ringing the doorbell. Information on ServiceNet’s Breakfast to End Homelessness program can be found at bit.ly/3aUX0OM.
Reach Domenic Poli at: [email protected] or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.
