An emergency shelter in Manchester is closing its doors in objection to a state law requiring the shelter to admit drug and alcohol users.
Beth Stafford, executive director and CEO of the Manchester Area of Conference of Churches, said the overnight shelter on Main Street in Manchester will shut down July 1.
The move comes in light of a state law that allocates funding under the stipulation that shelters accept active substance users, according to Stafford.
"This mandate is not in line with MACC Charities' mission to help the residents of Manchester and Bolton who are serious about accepting help to get back on their feet. MACC is not a drug and alcohol or mental health institution," Stafford said in a statement. "MACC Charities is a faith based human services organization designed to meet the basic needs of residents of the towns of Manchester and Bolton in emergency situations."
Stafford said no other MACC services will be affected.
