Open Door Update

Photo Credit: Wendy Voorhis, Focus Photography

The Open Door continues to be in our hearts and minds during their time of transition from their South Street location.

The Madden Hotel building in which the feeding ministry now operates will be sold on October 1. The Open Door ministry is continuing its efforts to obtain a new permanent location, but as the deadline approaches there is still much uncertainty about a new location being ready in time.

Earlier this summer, following a meeting with the City officials and Chaplain Bruce Hersey, our Open Door team leaders along with Rev. Green and Deacon’s Chairman Kathie McCoy met with representatives from Christ Church United Methodist. Together we discussed what we could do cooperatively to provide a temporary location for the Open Door in case their new location is not ready by the October 1 deadline. Shortly after, Messiah Episcopal Church also joined the conversation.

Out of that dialogue, the Pastors of the three churches together drafted an open letter to City officials and Open Door outlining what we were able to offer as a temporary stop-gap measure, should need arise.On Tuesday, Aug. 31 the Pastors met again with Chaplain Hersey to discuss some of the details concerning the arrangement. Representatives from the churches will also attend the Open Door’s next board meeting in order to answer any questions about the churches’ offer.

At this point, it appears that the Open Door will accept our offer and will be using the churches on a rotating basis for serving meals in Glens Falls beginning October 1, with the clear understanding that this is a temporary, stop-gap arrangement. We expect that the Open Door will have moved into a permanent setting by the end of the year.