LEWISTON — Months on from its function as a warming shelter, Kaydenz Kitchen received its license Tuesday night to become the city’s first low-barrier homeless shelter. The City Council vote on the license was 6-1.

Kaydenz Kitchen was chosen by MaineHousing in 2024 as the agency to establish a 24/7 low-barrier shelter, now known as Alter LA, at 70 Horton St. In 2025, MaineHousing approved $2.5 million toward the project and city officials approved a three-year, $1.2 million commitment.

Kevin Boilard, the organization’s executive director, said many people have been working tirelessly to secure funding, build partnerships, develop programs and create policies, procedures and services that have already helped hundreds.

“Approval with conditions provides a practical path forward that allows this critical project to continue progressing while the remaining requirements are finalized,” Boilard said. “Tonight is not just about approving a license, it is about … taking the next step forward and providing safe shelter, stability and opportunity for our unhoused community.”

Lewiston Fire Department and Planning and Code recommended the project not receive its licensure due to the lack of approval from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the lack of a building permit, complete design plans and life-safety renovations.

However, conditions for the projects final approval included the completion of all required building and fire code reviews and permits before opening, restriction of food preparation until a licensed commercial kitchen is approved, quarterly reviews with city officials, and prioritizing local people for shelter access.

Lewiston police did not make a recommendation on the project, but cited a 3,266% increase in complaints in the area of 70 Horton St. since the location became a warming shelter. The department said shelter staff are excellent to work with and that police support the project, though concentration on serving local people should be a priority.

Boilard said the drastic increase in incidents surrounding the property is a reflection of the building’s past as a funeral home, which required very few police visits, and the building’s use now, where staff are often helping people who face serious challenges.

“The highest presence there (of police) was (to deal with) dead bodies,” Boilard said of the warming shelter. “(And) 25% of those calls were proactive police follow-ups where we are working with psych workers and a local police agent who would come in and address all of the individuals that they’re seeing on the streets to try to proactively address those challenges.”

A motion by councilors to postpone a vote failed, with shelter staff citing the need for a license to apply for grants. 

A new condition set by councilors requires Alter LA to hold bimonthly meetings with the council and public for discussion about progress and issues surrounding homelessness in the community. 

The license was granted on a 6-1 vote with Ward 7 Councilor Bret Martel dissenting, stating a preference that approval hinge on the shelter first obtaining its mandatory certificate of occupancy.

“Lewiston is full of people who are dedicated to making a difference in our community and we saw that with last night’s presentation from the shelter team,” Mayor Carl Sheline said Wednesday. “We are honored by their tenacity and hard work in addressing homelessness in our city.”