As the Polar Vortex moves into Northeast Ohio temperatures drop into the single digits, warming centers are beginning to open to help those in need get out of the cold.
With COVID-19 making it difficult for some of the usual warming centers to open due to restrictions, two warming centers have been opened in Lorain County thanks to Neighborhood Alliance.
A warming center in Lorain, located at the Sacred Heart Chapel at 4301 Pearl Ave., and a warming center in Elyria, located at the Salvation Army at 716 Broad St., are available to those in need.
If you are seeking a warm shelter at one of the centers, call 440-242-0455.
Those looking to volunteer at a warming center can call 440-752-6406.
“With the number of homeless individuals and families increasing and colder weather coming in, a group of very dedicated organizations and individuals came together with a common goal: to find more space to provide safe shelter for the homeless,” said Alicia Foss, CEO/President of Neighborhood Alliance. “The warming centers are meant to be a temporary solution to an ongoing and very complex issue, but we are confident that, as we all worked together during this project, we will continue to work collaboratively to put long-term solutions into place.”
Additionally, warming centers in Summit County have opened as well.
In Akron, four warming centers will be open starting Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.:
- Lawton Street Community Center
- Patterson Park Community Center
- Mason Park Community Center
- Summit Lake Community Center
Masks and social distancing will be required.
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