BOISE — The Boise Parks and Recreation Department will reopen the Pioneer Neighborhood Community Center as a day shelter this Saturday, July 13 for families experiencing homelessness. “With temperatures expected in the mid to high 90s throughout the weekend, the center will be a cool spot for people to get out of the heat,” said Boise Parks and Recreation spokesperson Bonnie Shelton.
The day shelter program -- which will be open Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer as high temperatures warrant -- is located at 500 S. Ash St. in the River Street Neighborhood, south of downtown Boise.
Parks and Recreation staff will manage the supervised facility for families experiencing homelessness. The program will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Now in its eleventh year, the day shelter offers a variety of educational opportunities including art and recreation activities for families. The Pioneer Center has books, games, art supplies and a large collection of toys.
“We are proud to provide this important community resource for families in need when the weather warms up,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “The Pioneer Day Shelter is a safe place for parents with children to get out of the heat.”
Families are referred to the day shelter by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and area service providers including Interfaith Sanctuary, Corpus Christi House and City of Light/River of Life Rescue Mission.
While the City of Boise’s Pioneer Day Shelter will only be open on weekends as high temperatures warrant, Interfaith Sanctuary provides a program for families experiencing homelessness during the week.
The Pioneer Day Shelter is in need of donations of snack foods, summer clothing or cash donations for new toys and youth activities. If you’d like to donate, please contact program coordinator Marie Hattaway at mhattaway@cityofboise.org or call (208) 608-7688.
