As the winter season approaches and the temperature drops work continues

ST. JOHNSBURY — As the winter season approaches and the temperature drops work continues in earnest to construct a homeless shelter in town. Rural Edge and Northeast Kingdom Community Action have been working to fast-track a safe and warm option for local homelessness at a former church property off Moose River Drive. Rural Edge purchased the property and is responsible for the construction, and NEKCA will be operating the space as a shelter. Led by contractor Jeremie Kerstetter, owner of Kerstetter Construction and Property Management in Sutton, workers have been on the job at 72 Moose River Dr. since Nov. 1, the day after Rural Edge closed the real estate deal to buy the property from The Father’s House (formerly New Beginnings Church). The effort before them is an extensive interior conversion of the space. The project entails accessibility modifications, electrical and plumbing upgrades, new bathrooms, the creation of 17 cubicle spaces for the shelter residents, exterior fencing, lighting, cameras, appliances, fixtures and furnishings, sprinklers, flooring and more.