NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. - Community Missions, in partnership with Niagara County Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services and M&T Bank, opened its Lantern Project on Monday afternoon. Co-located within the organization’s emergency housing shelter at 1570 Buffalo Ave. in Niagara Falls, the Lantern Project is a two-bed safe place reserved for individuals ready to engage in substance treatment.

Community Missions operates Niagara PATH, a program that works to educate and reduce opioid abuse in Niagara County. Often, there is a time between when individuals may choose that they would like to engage in rehabilitation for substance use until their admittance. The Lantern Project will fill that gap, providing a safe space for individuals during the time until they are able to access such services.

“For 100 years, Community Missions has evolved its programming to meet the needs of our community,” said Eric Boerdner, Vice President – Specialized Services at Community Missions. “When we took on the Niagara PATH program, we realized that there is more that we could do to help individuals when they want to become sober. We are dedicating this space to those brave enough to make the choice seek help, and we look forward to saving lives here in Niagara County thanks to all our partners involved in this project.”  

Funding for the project has come from Niagara County’s Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, along with the M&T Bank Foundation, each of whom were represented at the Open House on Monday.