OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A grand opening ceremony for the new $12 million Stephen Center homeless shelter has been set for this week.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Friday for the center, which includes the Pettigrew Emergency Shelter for short-term stays and 62 low-income apartments for long-term residents.

Architects started developing plans nine years ago for the new facility that was financed by both private and public organizations.

The center’s CEO says he and staff are excited about the upcoming opening, which he adds has been a long time coming.

Support services will be offered at the center and at nearby sites. The center has a relationship with the Salvation Army Kroc Center that will allow residents to use its recreational and health and fitness programs.