ST. BONAVENTURE (Dec. 10) -- Fr. Daniel P. Riley, O.F.M. started The Warming House with a small coffee stand for older people in the Olean area to offer warm coffee and warm conversation on the 400 block on North Union Street in 1974. It was a place where the town and St. Bonaventure communities came together to help build relationships and help the town flourish. All were welcome.
That has been the goal of The Warming House: To provide a welcoming, positive atmosphere for those who were in need of a little warmth. It developed into a soup kitchen, and has been at four different locations within the last 30 years.
This summer, Olean’s Urban Renewal Agency notified The Warming House that its lease was ending, and the soup kitchen would have to find a new place to accommodate its guests. Larry Sorokes, Director of the Center for Community Engagement at SBU, and Jamie Ryder, Director of the Warming House, have already looked at nearly 20 new locations in Olean. However, they’ve had difficulty in finding a place which would be just as welcoming.
The Community Board met for an open hearing Wednesday to discuss what seems to be the last viable option: A store-front building with a basement located at 164 N. Union St. in Olean. It’s a much bigger space than the current location, and it’ll be in much better shape, especially after the updates and new construction that will be paid for by the unnamed developer.
There will be a side door off the alley as an entrance and exit in order to avoid loitering issues. Additionally, the bigger space provides opportunity for workshops concerning family issues, proper health, and employment.
The soup kitchen has faced most of its problems because of three reasons: stigmas, zoning issues, and city approvals, triggering much frustration among supporters.
“People have to consider that The Warming House didn’t choose to move out; it’s being forced to. No one wants this move, but it has to happen,” said Rev. Dan McDowell of the First Baptist Church in Olean.
But business owners wouldn’t have it. One of the biggest arguments they are insisting is, “The Warming House does not improve the perception of downtown Olean.” This point was spoken by an optometrist downtown, Lyn Sweet, who also provided the Board with 77 signatures of business owners who claim to support the mission of The Warming House, but are against this project.
Judy Johnson, owner of a designing shop nearby, especially feels threatened by the possibility of the move. “Obviously no one wants a soup kitchen next door. What does that do for the reputation of downtown?”
However, Dan Hahn, professor at SBU, insists that the move will trigger more volunteers to shop downtown.
Two hours into the hearing, speeches drifted away from facts or assumptions about the move and concentrated highly on emotion, which rendered much applause. One of the most powerful was not from an experienced townie, but rather a student.
“There is a struggle between people’s wallets and hearts,” Sam Spinelli, junior at SBU, declared emotionally. “But it’s Christmas. Say yes to The Warming House.”
The Board’s decision has not yet been announced, but it will either relieve the tensions of The Warming House, or start the vicious process all over again—with only a matter of weeks before the move.
Ryder assures the supporters that “The Warming House is the people, not the place. Even if [164 N. Union St.] doesn’t work out and we have to close down for a few weeks, we will still have The Warming House. This is not the end.”
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