AUGUSTA — The Augusta Community Warming Center, a critical community space and one of the few safe freely accessible escapes from the cold for local residents, will open for the winter on Nov. 1 thanks in large part to funding and employee efforts from AVANGRID and local affiliate Central Maine Power (CMP).

Bridging the Gap (BTG) is one of many United Way of Kennebec Valley partner programs serving the needs of people in and around Augusta. In addition to the Warming Center, BTG operates Addie’s Attic Clothing Bank, Everyday Basic Essentials Pantry, the No Person Left Behind Volunteer Program and resource connection. More than 3,000 individuals are reached via these services every year.

The Avangrid Foundation, which funded the gift, is the primary charitable arm of AVANGRID, Inc. and invests in philanthropic efforts primarily in areas where AVANGRID and its subsidiaries operate.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from the Avangrid Foundation and Central Maine Power,” said Sarah Miller, director of Bridging the Gap. “Historically, the Warming Center has opened in December, but with funding from the Foundation and some hands-on help from CMP employee volunteers, we can open early and provide important services to people in the community. We all know that colder temps don’t wait for December to come around!”

CMP president and CEO Doug Herling and a group of employee volunteers lugged, sorted and stored donated clothing in an effort to clear out and set up the Warming Center for the early opening.

“For more than a century, we have strived to be a good neighbor in the communities we serve, and this year we have worked hard to raise the bar,” said Herling. “Our work at the Warming Center is a great example of the value we put in this company on investing in the sustainability and well-being of our communities; and not just in giving but in the grit!”

CMP has a long history of supporting the Warming Center with annual donations of clothing, toiletries, and snacks every winter, stepping up efforts this year in a time of critical need.

Bridging the Gap is a program of Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church and is located at 209 Eastern Avenue in Augusta. The Augusta Warming Center will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Nov. 1. For more information or to make a donation, contact 248-1782.