How you can help the homeless when temperatures drop

Well, we got our White Christmas. But with the snow comes a drop in temperatures, of course, and that leaves many Clevelanders who are out on the street in need of help.

The City of Cleveland is providing four locations as warming centers while we have extreme cold temperatures. The following recreation centers will be open for 24 hours a day for the next two days as temperatures are expected to drop. Openings and hours will be updated daily thereafter.

• Zelma Watson George Recreation Center: 3155 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr.
• Collinwood Recreation Center: 16300 Lakeshore Blvd.
• Gunning Park Recreation Center: 16700 Puritas Ave.
• Lonnie Burton Recreation Center: 2511 E. 46th St.

Note: Michael Zone Recreation Center was previously open for those looking for a warm place to stay. However, due to the power outage on Cleveland's west side, that warming center has been closed. Gunning Park Recreation Center has been opened in its place.

Brutal cold to increase demand for homeless services

Two bodies found covered in snow on Cleveland's east side

The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless also publishes a "street card," which is a comprehensive resource guide to help the homeless find meals, housing, income and job training, health clinics, free health car, legal services and drop-in centers.

Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless working to get people out of bitter cold and into shelters

Chances are you got some new clothes, coats and boots for the holidays, which is the perfect excuse to clean out your closet. You can donate your old clothes to those who may be in need of warm clothes this winter or donate other necessary items. This is where you can drop off your donations through The City Mission to be given to the homeless:

• Drop-off hours and locations
  • Laura's Home Women's Crisis Center: 18120 Puritas Ave. (new donations only)
    • Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    • Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • The City Mission's Downtown Campus: 5310 Carnegie Ave. (new and gently used donations)
    • Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • After-hours and weekend donations can be placed in the drop box at the warehouse garage door
  • Home pickup
    • Arrange a pickup through Donate Stuff by visiting its website or calling 216-662-4483.
    • These donated items will be distributed through the Value World Thrift Stores.