The Damariscotta Baptist Church will open the Open Door Café on Monday, Sept. 14.
The café is part of the ongoing efforts by the Ecumenical Homeless Prevention Council of Damariscotta and Newcastle to provide support for the homeless in the area.
“Our goal is to offer hospitality, support, and respect for everyone who stops in,” said Damariscotta Baptist Church Pastor Marilee Harris.
The Damariscotta Baptist Church, at the corner of Bristol Road and Main Street, was chosen as the location of the café due to the availability of space for the operation.
The café will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. Patrons can enter through the red door on the Main Street side of the church.
The effort is completely run by volunteers, who are coordinated by Bertha Foote, of Newcastle. Each volunteer must complete an orientation before beginning work. Currently, 30 people have signed up to volunteer at the café.
The Central Lincoln County YMCA has also partnered with the council for the effort. On Thursdays, youth members of the Y Leaders Club will provide baked goods for the café.
“If people want to bring in baking supplies or muffin or cake mixes, the YMCA kids will use it to bake goods we will serve,” Foote said.
Games and puzzles will be available for people to play. The church will also have two computers for people to use.
Harris said the café is open for everyone to use.
“It’s not just about homeless prevention, it’s also about loneliness prevention,” Harris said. “This will give people the chance to get out of the house, have a free cup of coffee, and socialize with others in the community.”
In January, the council will evaluate how the café is being run and make adjustments if necessary.
“Right now we’re just excited to get started,” Harris said. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the community and how positive everyone has been about this.”
Sometime down the road, Harris said she hopes to have a homeless shelter in the area.
“Many people don’t realize it, but we do have a need for a shelter,” Harris said. “This is what we can provide right now.”
Donations of baking materials, games, books, or money can be delivered to the church.
