Lawrence Open Shelter is moving closer to opening, but more work — and money — will be needed to sustain the project.

The organization played host to an open house Saturday at its new home at 944 Ky., sharing the building used by the Community Drop-In Center. The interior is still in a state of renovation; shelter officials said bathrooms, showers and other accommodations were expected to be complete in time for opening in early August.

“It feels to me this would be the beginning,” said Hilda Enoch of the Lawrence Coalition on Homeless Concerns. “But we need much more.”

Getting started is still the main concern. Loring Henderson, a member of the shelter board, said the organization was still trying to raise $15,000 to pay for startup costs. By Saturday morning, $3,000 had been raised.

Saturday’s open house was “to say thank you to donors,” Henderson said. “It’s good to give people a sense of progress.”

While much of the renovation work is being donated by local companies, a sign inside the shelter said the organization must also raise $60,000 a year to pay staff salaries to keep the shelter running year-round.

The city subsidizes the Salvation Army homeless shelter at 946 N.H. But that shelter generally does not accept intoxicated guests; Lawrence Open Shelter will accept a broader range of clients.

The open shelter will be able to house 20 guests. And officials promised to connect the boarders to other social service agencies.

“We want to work to connect people to the resources they need, and for which they’re eligible,” said Liz Smith, a member of the open shelter board.

¢Lawrence Open Shelter¢ Opening delayed for ‘open’ shelter (5-06-03)¢ Open homeless shelter gets OK (3-26-03)¢ 6News video: Late night vote denies open shelter proposal (3-07-03)¢ Shelter $20,000 from reality (12-30-02)¢ Homeless shelter begins summer operations (6-26-02)¢ 6News video report: Open shelter opens doors for summer (6-26-02)¢ Planning commission OKs open shelter for homeless (5-30-02)¢ 6News report: Lawrence Open Shelter Inc., looking to help overlooked homeless (9-5-01)

Enoch said she hoped the shelter could link up with a drug and alcohol “detox” service. And there are still times of the day and week when homeless people will be without a cool place to take refuge from the summer heat, she said.

“I think you just can’t turn away on addiction and say, ‘We don’t want to deal with you,'” she said.

But Enoch was happy the Lawrence Open Shelter was nearly ready to open.

“I think we’re happy there is this facility, because it’s really hot and people are being turned away,” she said.

Henderson agreed.

“This will give people shelter,” he said. “And it will save lives.”