March 17, 2022 – Members of Lennox and Addington County Council had the opportunity to tour the Warming Centre at Morningstar Mission in Greater Napanee today.  The Warming Centre is open from 8:30 pm to 7:30 am, seven nights a week and acts as a safe place for those who need shelter to get out of the cold, access washrooms and enjoy light refreshments.   The Centre is located at 58 Water Street West, Napanee.

The Warming Centre is managed by Morningstar Mission in partnership with Prince Edward-Lennox and Addington Social Services (PELASS).   PELASS donated $104,166 to the warming centre this year through the Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF).  The SSRF is one time provincial funding related to COVID-19 relief and supports a wide range of homelessness prevention measures in both Prince Edward and Lennox and Addington Counties.

As the winter progressed, the Mission was able to add some breakfast and evening programming using Morningstar staff and volunteers.  On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons a drop-in is offered, with some PELASS  and Napanee Area Community Health Centre staff available to provide housing assistance.  Career Edge also provides job seeking support to those who would like to seek employment. 

Morningstar Mission’s Executive Director Kevin Alkenbrack thanked County Council for their significant contribution to the Warming Centre saying, “We are thrilled to have County Council tour our warming centre.”  He went on to say, “Their financial support has allowed for the most vulnerable of our community to find not only shelter, but begin to make connections with staff, volunteers, agency supports and restore hope for their future.”

County Council expressed their appreciation to Kevin and all the staff and volunteers of the Morningstar Mission for their tremendous work providing the warming centre in Lennox and Addington. Warden Ric Bresee said, “County Council is so very pleased to be able to provide funding for this important resource for those in need.”