Senior center to open after mold mitigation
After three months of displacement, Donora Senior Center participants will soon return to their home base.
The center, at 700 Meldon Ave., closed Aug. 30, when the borough’s code enforcement officer deemed it unsafe after the discovery of mold.
Meals and other activities have been held at the borough building’s social hall.
“We’ve been able to never miss a noon meal. (The center) closed one day right after lunch, and the very next day, we were down in the community room,” said Luther Sheets, chief operating officer of Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services. “It was very nice for the borough to allow us to use their facility, but we’re happy to get back in there and get back into our routine.”
A roof leak over the summer caused water to gather in the basement of the one-story building, where SPHS leases from Mon Valley Community Services.
The landlord fixed the roof and did some initial cleaning, said Sheets. Green Home Solutions then came in to remediate the space.
An environmental inspection came back Tuesday, deeming the building safe.
According to Mary Mariani of SPHS, the code enforcement officer will review the inspection. She said staff plans to open Thursday and serve lunch.
About 40 to 50 seniors take part in daily activities offered by the center, including games, meals and health and wellness programs.