Around Amherst: Craig’s Doors keeping shelter spots available longer.
By SCOTT MERZBACH
AMHERST Unlike many years when the emergency overnight homeless shelter closes for the season on May 1, Craig’s Doors will be able to keep its sites open for at least several more weeks.
Executive Director Kevin Noonan said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the congregate shelter with 14 beds operating at the Unitarian Meetinghouse will remain in service until July 31. The town recently completed an inspection to allow the extended operations.
The shelter is supplemented by the Econo Lodge motel in Hadley, where 19 rooms will remain open through at least mid-June; and the University Lodge, with 20 rooms available until June 30, 2022.