Published: 4/26/2019 9:50:23 PM
Modified: 4/26/2019 9:50:15 PM
ATHOL — A ribbon cutting was held Wednesday to celebrate the recently renovated third floor Men’s Residence of the Athol Area YMCA. The changes will provide housing to 19 men, an increase from 16. “We had the extra room but no bathroom facilities,” said outgoing YMCA Executive Director Jeanette Robichaud, “Now we do.”
A walk-through tour led to a freshly painted front corner room with new laundry and kitchen facilities. A window that had previously been boarded up now draws in light and allows a view of Main Street. Robichaud said they cleaned out “probably upwards of 50 years of accumulated stuff, floor to ceiling” of furniture, bed frames, mattresses and belongings.
Robichaud said the Men’s Residence is available on a short term or long term basis, or if someone is new to the area and waiting to find a home. There are six shelter rooms that the YMCA contracts with the Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance to help occupants with the transition from homeless to permanent housing. At the present time, one room is available.
Worcester-based Health Foundation of Central MA paid for the renovations through a grant. Robichaud said the project wouldn’t have been possible without the funding.