The city of Columbus has opened a 24-hour warming shelter at the Columbus Police Department this week to provide heated shelter from the severely cold weather to those without one.
Mayor Robert Smith ordered the shelter’s opening at 1501 Main St. Tuesday. Initially, the shelter was to be open from 3 p.m.-8 a.m., but city officials promised Wednesday the shelter would stay open continually through Friday for those in need. City Public Information Officer Joe Dillon said city officials will monitor the weather and determine what time to close the shelter Friday.
“It is too cold to send anyone outside,” Smith said Wednesday. “… We continue to work on other solutions, but this shelter will now remain at the Columbus Police Department.”
Columbus Community Outreach Director Glenda Richardson said two people stayed in the shelter Tuesday night.
The city worked with Golden Triangle Regional Homeless Coalition to open the facility Tuesday after temperatures were predicted to drop to about 20 degrees and stay near freezing each night this week. They plan to open something more permanent for this winter.
Area churches and civic organizations are being asked to donate meals and other items to the center.
For more information or to donate meals, call Richardson at 662-364-1850.
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