Community Corner
Malden Warming Center To Receive Upgrades Through Eagle Scout Project
A local teen is leading this project as a final requirement to become an Eagle Scout.
MALDEN, MA — A prospective Eagle Scout is preparing to lead a community effort to improve a local warming center ahead of the upcoming winter season.
Forrester Blankinship will lead a group of youth volunteers and scouts in revitalizing the Malden Warming Center at 529 Eastern Ave. later this month as part of his Eagle Scout Service Project. The work will include repainting the interior of the center along with insulating and painting an exterior shed used by unhoused individuals waiting to enter the facility. Blankinship's project proposal says the shed currently provides protection from rain and wind but is not insulated, with the improvements intended to make the space more comfortable during colder weather.
The project will take place across two separate workdays, beginning on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., when approximately 30 volunteers are expected to participate. A second group of approximately 10 volunteers will return on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to complete the work.
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The effort is being supported by multiple local businesses through material donations. The Sherwin-Williams Commercial Store in Medford donated paint for the project, while General Insulation in Malden provided the mineral wool insulation needed for the shed, Blankinship told Patch. His original project proposal estimated more than 1,800 square feet of interior wall space would need to be painted and called for approximately 800 square feet of insulation for the shed.
The Malden Warming Center provides seasonal overnight shelter, meals, and other resources to people experiencing homelessness. The volunteer-run nonprofit operates out of the Malden Church of the Nazarene and grew out of a collaboration between local faith communities and the city.
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Blankinship's proposal said repainting the main space is also intended to make the center feel more welcoming for guests, while the shed improvements will provide additional protection for those waiting outside before being admitted for the night.
The project is expected to be completed following the second volunteer session on Sept. 26.
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