PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Dozens turned out for the grand opening celebration of long-awaited housing for homeless women in Portland.

Florence House, named for a long time social worker at the Preble Street Resource Center, actually opened its doors in April.

On Friday, people got a chance to tour the three story building, which features 25 efficiency apartments on the first two floors.

There are also 15 semi-private units and up to 25 emergency shellter beds… a far cry from several years ago where women were sleeping on cots on the floor at the Oxford street shelter.

The $8 million facility has been at capacity since it opened.

Besides mental health counseling and substance abuse services, the facility has a cafeteria and community cooking spaces along with meeting rooms, sitting areas and a serenity garden.