Ribbon cutting at Carey House celebrates renovations to homeless shelter

LACONIA — Fresh siding, better insulation and windows, a new heating system, new playground equipment and several other improvements were celebrated Friday morning at The Carey House, a facility operated by The Salvation Army which for 22 years has been offering a home to people who would otherwise be experiencing homelessness.

“This is a new chapter for our shelter,” said Capt. Heather West of the Salvation Army.

“This is a day of hope, renewal and commitment,” said Capt. Chris West, Heather’s husband. The pair leads the Laconia operations of the Salvation Army, which include a soup kitchen and food pantry, in addition to The Carey House.

The Wests addressed a small crowd of supporters and city leaders who came to celebrate the facility's renovations, which has been open since 2002.

When it first opened, The Carey House provided beds for 20 people, Chris said. More recently, it could house 35 and, as a result of the latest renovations, can now shelter up to 42, in wings reserved for males, females, and one for families.

Chris called the house a “beacon of hope for people experiencing homelessness,” as well as a symbol of the resilience and compassion of the community which supported the renovations.

Those renovations cost around $400,000, Chris said. About half that money came from the Salvation Army, and half from donations from local individuals and organizations. The funding was spent on improving the building’s heating system, renovating bathrooms, upgrading IT, fire alarm and security systems, new beds and mattresses, a fresh coat of paint and several new smaller fixtures and amenities.

“Our work is far from over,” Chris said, noting the building is still in need of new flooring and a new roof, and there are a couple of bathrooms and kitchens that could use a refresh.

And beyond The Carey House’s walls, the world continues to need help. Despite the doubled capacity since its original opening, there isn’t a night when The Carey House isn’t full, with a waiting list of people in need of a safe place to stay.

“Today’s ribbon cutting isn’t just a celebration, but a call to action,” and, “a testament to what we can achieve when we work together, united around a shared goal of making our community a better place for everyone,” Chris said. “Together we can create a community where everyone has a place to call home, where everyone feels valued and has the space to thrive.”