Maine warming shelters receive grants to expand winter resources [Video]

Seeds of Hope in Biddeford is one of 12 shelters awarded funding to expand winter warming shelter hours.

BIDDEFORD, Maine — Like it or not, winter is coming. Many Maine communities are thinking ahead about their plans to open warming shelters across the state.

MaineHousing is getting a head start by awarding $2 million to 12 overnight warming shelters. The goal is to help shelters expand the hours and resources they offer during colder months.

Seeds of Hope in Biddeford was awarded about $246,000. Executive Director Vassie Fowler says this will help fill a need.

“There was a gap in daytime hours because we close at 1 p.m. and the nighttime doesn’t open until 7 p.m., and we are not open on Saturdays and Sundays,” Fowler said.

With the grant money, the nonprofit can stay open longer during the winter, including on the weekends.

“For the warming center, it made sense for us …