Just over a year after the Lewiston shootings, one of the scenes of the tragedy has been transformed into a place that will help hundreds of people this winter.
The former Schemengees Bar and Grille is now a warming center.
The Lewiston Winter Warming Center, opening Friday night, will help up to 100 people stay out of the cold weather.
It’s located at the former Schemengees Bar and Grille, one of the two locations where 18 people were killed in the Lewiston mass shootings.
After the tragedies, Schemengees closed. With help from the city and volunteers, Kaydenz Kitchen has revamped the space into a warming center.
With new furniture, rugs, blankets and entertainment, many people are now able to have somewhere to go at night during cold winter storms.
The warming center will provide food donated from local restaurants, Bates College and community members.
Kevin Boilard, who works for Kaydenz Kitchen, says this is a chance for his team to help bring resources for those in need.
“We’re extremely grateful for the opportunity to kind of bring a new life back to the new location and turn it back to the place that kind of lives,” Boilard said.
The overnight winter warming center will be open every day from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. now through April 30.
