St. Peter's Episcopal Church provides space for emergency shelter

St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Washington has given Zion Shelter & Kitchen access to its building so Zion can run an emergency shelter while it seeks a new permanent site. Zion aims to open a new community kitchen by February.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Washington is allowing Zion Shelter & Kitchen to use its space as an emergency shelter this winter. The church's rector says he handed a key to Zion after the group requested use of the building and agreed to staff and supply the shelter. Zion Shelter & Kitchen has served the community for more than 30 years but has been without a permanent building since last summer. The group is working to move to a new location and to open a community kitchen by February. Key details: - St. Peter's Rector Christopher Adams provided Zion with access to the church so the organization can operate an emergency shelter on the premises. - Zion Shelter & Kitchen has served the community for over 30 years and left a rented church basement last summer because of insurance issues. - Zion is planning to open a new community kitchen at 421 North Bridge Street and aims to have it running by February. - While relocating, Zion currently operates from a Salvation Army mobile truck at 408 North Market Street, offering meals Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to noon. - St. Peter's also offers "Shower Thursdays," providing community members access to hot water for showers between 2 and 4 p.m. Summary: The arrangement gives Zion a temporary indoor location for shelter operations during cold weather and keeps its outreach services active while the group secures its new site. Zion's plan to open a community kitchen by February is the next scheduled step for their operations.