Lifebridge Continues Supporting Unsheltered Neighbors Following Canal Street Closure

We are saddened to announce that the temporary shelter location on Canal Street is now closed, as funding for its operation has expired. Lifebridge North Shore opened the transitional shelter in 2023, funded by the City of Salem, to address an encampment of unhoused individuals.

Since the temporary shelter opened, over 80 individuals successfully achieved housing. “Our transitional shelter guests and case managers accomplished so much in the last three years,” says Jason Etheridge, Lifebridge President. “In addition to accomplishing our original goal of housing people from the encampment, we were lucky to keep the transitional shelter open a year longer than originally planned. Funding wasn’t guaranteed after two years, so even though we knew the transitional shelter was temporary, we were grateful to have that additional time to support people who needed it.”

Providing Safety and Relief During the Impending Heat Wave

We know that many of our housed community members are concerned about the high heat forecasted for this week and its affect those who previously accessed shelter at the transitional center. Lifebridge will continue to assist our unsheltered neighbors as we always have: with air conditioned facilities at the Day Center in Salem. While the transitional shelter provided overnight beds, guests have always used the Day Center during the day for weather emergencies.

The Day Center, located close to Canal St, is open to everyone during the day, when temperatures are at their highest. “We’re seasoned professionals when it comes to emergency response during extreme weather,” Etheridge says. “The transitional site closing does not change how all of our other sites respond and serve the community when temperatures peak.”

We continue to assist our most vulnerable neighbors with finding appropriate programs and services. While they are at the Day Center, guests can access essential health and safety items, enjoy free nutritious meals, and work with Lifebridge staff for assistance with overnight accommodations.

Lifebridge Continues Pursuing Permanent Solutions to Homelessness

While the transition shelter was always planned to be a temporary stop-gap to address growing homelessness, we’ve been proactively planning our redevelopment of our Salem Campus since 2022. The redevelopment project will increase our Margin St. shelter capacity and add more permanent housing for the formerly homeless. This state funded campus, in partnership with Harborlight Homes, will provide a more stable and permanent solution than a temporary shelter. You can learn more about the project here.

How can unsheltered people in Salem access Lifebridge services?

The best way to contact Lifebridge is by phone: 978-744-0500, or in person at our Day Center on 54 Margin St in Salem (see hours here). Additionally, Lifebridge community outreach staff and Salem Police Community Impact Unit officers will be canvassing and present throughout the area to assist those in need.