AKRON, Ohio — The cities of Akron and Canton have activated warming centers for individuals in need due to the extreme cold forecasted for Northeast Ohio.
Akron
From Friday until Sunday, Jan. 23 and then again from Tuesday, Jan. 25 to Saturday, Jan. 29, the city will extend the hours of four warming centers and will be open during normal business hours. Anyone can come in during those times to warm up.
The following centers will be open between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 10 p.m., Jan. 21 to 23 and again from Tuesday, Jan. 25 through Saturday, Jan. 29:
Lawton Street Community Center
1225 Lawton St.
Akron, OH 44320
330-375-2825
Mason Park Community Center
700 E. Exchange St.
Akron, OH 44306
330-375-2821
Patterson Park Community Center
800 Patterson Ave.
Akron, OH 44310
330-375-2819
Summit Lake Community Center
380 W. Crosier St.
Akron, OH 44311330-375-2826
COVID-19 precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of visitors and employees. These provisions include:
- Limited attendance based on maximum occupancy of the facility rooms.
- Stay in family groups.
- Use social distancing and maintain at least six feet between individuals in all areas of the facility
- Wear a mask or face covering while in the facility.
- If a visitor has a temperature or exhibits signs of illness, the visitor will immediately be referred to an EMT for off-site medical attention
- Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the facility including the entrance and exit areas.
- Community center spaces will be cleaned and sanitized
The city will continue to monitor the weather for frigid temperatures and will extend the hours of the warming centers as needed.
Unless otherwise specified, the centers will run on normal business hours on Monday, Jan. 24 and then return to their normal business hours indefinitely starting Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022.
The Emergency Overnight Shelter located at 111 East Voris St. will be open tonight, Friday, Jan. 21 through Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Canton
Two warming centers have been activated for Canton residents. Masks are required for both locations.
The Edward “Peel” Coleman Community Center
1400 Sherrick Road SE, Canton, OH 44707 (330-489-3350).
Guests must enter through the WEST door. Masks are required and available on site if needed. Cots and blankets will be available.
Hours of operation:
- Friday, Jan. 21 from 6 p.m. through Saturday, January 22 at 8 a.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 22 from 6 p.m. through Sunday, January 23 at 8 a.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 23 from 6 p.m. through Monday, January 24 at 8 a.m.
Refuge of Hope
715 Second St. NE, Canton, OH 44704 (330-453-1785).
Guests must enter through door #3. Masks are required and available on site if needed. Hot beverages and food will be available.
Hours of operation:
- Friday, Jan. 21 from Noon to 6 p.m. (No overnight stay)
- Saturday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (No overnight stay)
- Monday, January 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (No overnight stay)
Transportation in Canton
Busing with be available for individuals who need help getting to a warming center.
- Those who need transportation to a warming center may access SARTA from any regular stop to the Cornerstone Transit Center on Chery Avenue SE. Once at the Cornerstone Transit center, utilize route #110 for transportation to the Coleman Community Center. Please let the bus driver know you are in route to the warming center and there will be no fee.
- Return transportation will be provided from the Coleman Community Center to Cornerstone Transit Center on Cherry Ave SE free of charge by utilizing route #110.
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