Pekin Day Shelter Now Open

PEKIN (WEEK) -- Pekin now has a new, free place to warm up for people in need.

It's day shelter at 515 Elizabeth street.

The non-profit Pekin Outreach Initiative bought the building over the summer and just finished renovations.

Now, everyday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. they offer a place for the homeless to warm up and access quite a few services.

"Showers, if they can't get showers. Laundry, they can get free laundry here. And we'll help them to wash their clothes. Toiletries, personal care items and a hot meal," said Lynne Johnson, President of Pekin Outreach Initiative.

She mentioned a lot more families needing help now, in the pandemic.

The soft opening was Monday, Feb. 8.

They are planning a larger grand opening, once we get back to nice weather.