Maureen's Haven, a homeless outreach organization operating on the East End for a decade, has opened a new day center on the corner of Lincoln and Washington streets in Riverhead.
The group is relocating its operations from an office complex on East Main Street. The new site is closer to the Riverhead railroad station, a pickup location for homeless people who obtain overnight emergency housing in some 14 host churches and synagogues across the East End.
Government officials gathered at the new center for a ceremonial ribbon cutting Thursday afternoon.
Maureen's Haven staff and volunteers will provide a variety of services to the homeless at the new center, including job search counseling and assistance and computer skills training, according executive director Tracey Lutz.
"Maureen's Haven serves a segment of the population that often wants nothing to do with shelters or government programs," Suffolk County Social Services Commissioner Gregory Blass said after the ceremony. "We are very anxious to reach that part of the homeless population to help get them back on their feet."
Blass said there are about 500 homeless families and an additional 280 homeless individuals in Suffolk County on any given night. "It's way above the numbers we saw last year and the year before that," Blass said.
From Nov. 1 to April 1, Maureen's Haven screens and transports homeless people seeking overnight shelter to host houses of worship on the twin forks. At the host site, guests are provided a bed and offered a hot meal prepared by volunteers. After dinner, homeless guests are offered a hot shower and the opportunity to attend an AA meeting, get warm clothes, consult with a medical professional or social worker, attend an ESL class, watch a movie or just rest, according to the group's website.