By coincidence in conjunction with the first snow expected of the season tonight, the is scheduled to open for the first time this year, Robert Fletcher, chair of the board of directors of the Friends of the F.C. Homeless Shelter reported to the F.C. City Council Tuesday night. The shelter will operate nightly from tonight through March 31, 2019.

On Gordon Road in the City, it has 10 beds for men and two for women, and hot dinners, breakfast and bag lunches are served daily. It will be open all day on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and over 100 volunteers, mostly City residents, participated last year. The shelter is operated by New Hope Housing, Inc. Last year, 35 individuals took advantage of the program for 137 nights, a total of 1,600 bed nights and 3,200 hot meals. It was full to capacity most nights. Last year, four of those using the program found permanent housing.

Persons interested in volunteering for the shelter can visit FCShelter.org, or email Fletcher at RFletcher@FCShelter.org.