For the Reporter

KentHOPE hosts an open house Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of its day shelter for homeless women and children.

The KentHOPE Day Center is at 9009 Canyon Drive, Kent.

The community at-large is welcome to tour the center during the open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Donations of nonperishable food items will be accepted to stock the cupboard. Parking is available at Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 SE 256th St., where a free shuttle will operate.

The day center is also on the Metro Transit Route 169.

“I’m excited that we are finally opening and pleased that we can open the doors during this holiday season,” said Pat Gray, chair of KentHOPE.

A site manager and case workers are being hired to staff the center.

The center will open in early December, and the hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

The following services will be provided:

• Showers, laundry facilities and restrooms
• Three healthy meals served daily
• Computer and life skills training
• GED and employment assistance
• Counseling
• Advocacy for services
• Computers with internet access
• Clothing bank

KentHOPE, which is dedicated to reducing homelessness in the community, is a partnership of churches and faith-based groups, Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission, Valley Cities Counseling, businesses, community service agencies, and concerned citizens.

To learn more, visit www.KentHOPE.org.