Warming centers open for Columbus homeless as cold weather hits, but hours limited at most
As winter officially begins, the Columbus area soon will see its first weather event of the season, bringing frigid temperatures, high winds and snow showers Thursday and into the holiday weekend.
But for the homeless, staying somewhere warm isn't always an option and can lead to extended periods of time outdoors.
To help combat this issue, Columbus City Council and the city's development department has partnered with homeless services organization Community Shelter Board, faith-based nonprofit United Methodist Church & Community Development for All People and the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless to create a winter warming plan, opening several warming centers across the city.
Community Development for All People will have its church, United Methodist Church For All People, 946 Parsons Ave., serve as a warming center, as well as other churches across the city. In addition, all 23 branches of the Columbus Metropolitan Library and 24 Columbus recreation centers will be open for those looking for a place to stay warm.
All warming sites will stay open until March 15, according to the Community Shelter Board, and their services are in addition to homeless shelters operating in the city.
Council member Shayla Favor said at a news conference Monday that she heard stories from last winter of residents staying outside at dangerous temperatures.
"This is simply unacceptable," she said. "Every Columbus resident deserves dignity and access to a warm space. We knew we had to do better this year."
Although several of the warming centers will be open only during the daytime, three will remain open 24/7, including Christmas Day, said Sara Loken, community relations director for Community Shelter Board. Those are: United Methodist Church, 501 E. Broad St., and the former Summit on 16th United Methodist Church, 82 E. 16th Ave. Church and Community Development for All People, 946 Parsons Ave., will also serve as a 24/7 warming center but will not open until Jan. 2, Loken said.
However, many of the temporary warming shelters listed are not open on weekends or have limited daytime-only hours and are not operating at night or in the early morning hours, when winter temperatures plummet.
"This plan is not a permanent solution to our housing crisis or homelessness," Favor said. "However, the future of our city depends on ensuring all residents have means and opportunity to find safe and stable housing without financial constraints or barriers."
In addition to Columbus Metropolitan Library branches and city recreation centers, here are the other places around the city where warming centers will be in operation:
Church and Community Development for All People, 946 Parsons Ave.
Phone: 614-445-7342
Hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday closed
United Methodist Church, 501 E. Broad St.
Phone: 614-221-4571
Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ; Saturday and Sunday closed
Stowe Mission, 888 Parsons Ave.
Phone: 614-445-8400
Hours: Monday – Friday 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday closed
Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road
Phone: 614-267-4959
Hours: Will host in weather-related emergencies.
Short North Church, 25 W. Fifth Ave.
Phone: 614-228-1342
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sundays only
Free breakfast and clothing 7-8 a.m.
Service 8-8:45 a.m.
Health Clinic every other Sunday, 7-8 a.m.
Jordan’s Crossing, 342 N. Hague Ave.
Phone: 614-507-3246
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – noon, Sunday closed
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus City Council, nonprofits opening warming centers
