LEWISTON — The City Council on Tuesday unanimously selected nonprofit Kaydenz Kitchen to operate a future city-run homeless shelter, marking a significant step in a lengthy effort to establish a low-barrier adult shelter in Lewiston.

The organization, led by Kevin Boilard, was the only applicant to respond to a very short request-for-proposals timeline, but the application received the backing of several other area agencies, including Community Concepts and Lewiston Housing, which plans to partner with Kaydenz Kitchen on the development of the shelter.

A low-barrier shelter does not deny entry for reasons such as being under the influence, participation in religious services, or a lack of identification.

Councilors and city staff emphasized that Tuesday’s decision does not come with a commitment of funding or approval of a shelter site, but is simply a selection of a shelter provider to begin development talks.

The nonprofit, which began as a food pantry, most recently operated the emergency warming center at Calvary United Methodist Church at 59 Sabattus St., an effort that was generally considered a success compared to previous iterations. The proposal from Kaydenz Kitchen also received letters of support from a former councilor, a manager of an existing shelter, and other nonprofit leaders.

Kaydenz Kitchen was also recently tapped to run an emergency warming center this coming winter between November and April, with the former Schemengees Bar & Grille Restaurant as the proposed location. Boilard told the Sun Journal on Wednesday that he also believes it could work as the site for the permanent shelter.

Craig Saddlemire, co-chairperson of the city’s shelter committee, which put together a request for proposals for the low-barrier shelter, said the quick turnaround for proposals was due to grant applications that the city and its provider will need to pursue in order to obtain funding. He said the applications are more likely to be successful with a partner agency on board.

He said if the currently eyed funding from MaineHousing and federal sources is secured, development on a 40- to 60-bed shelter could begin as soon as March of 2025, with an “ambitious” operating start of September 2025.

Chris Bicknell, executive director of New Beginnings and a member of the shelter committee, said Boilard and Kaydenz Kitchen is likely “the best agency to do this work in this community” due to its consistent outreach and relationships with homeless individuals.

Boilard, through Community Concepts, also works for a city of Auburn outreach program where he connects those living in homeless encampments to services.

Councilor Josh Nagine said he’s “exceedingly happy” that Boilard submitted a proposal, and that his organization “cares about this community, and its people.”

Nagine also emphasized that a location hasn’t been determined.

“There’s a lot of work that still needs to be done. It’s about who is willing to step up to help the city fill this need,” Nagine said.

“This brings us one step closer to having a low-barrier shelter in this community, and one that’s desperately needed,” Mayor Carl Sheline said.

While the project received unanimous support, at least one councilor questioned the low-barrier aspects of the shelter.

Councilor Eryn Soule-Leclair said not requiring identification worried her, stating, “We live in dangerous times,” and operators should know who they are serving. However, she said she supported the vote because she has faith in Boilard.

“Because you’re here, that’s why I’m going to support the project,” she said.

Bicknell said the shelter would have behavioral and safety guidelines, like no weapons, alcohol or illegal substances. And he said an agency like Kaydenz Kitchen generally knows the population it’s serving through outreach efforts.

Bicknell also said a shelter using the low-barrier model is needed in Lewiston, and the funding sources available would require that model be used.

During public comment, resident Matt Agren said he’s concerned the council is essentially “approving a blank check.”

The request for proposal outlined an estimated budget, which put development costs at roughly $1 million, and operating expenses at roughly $2 million annually, if at full capacity.