Warming centers remain a lifeline as temperatures plunge in Richland County

MANSFIELD — Local warming centers continue to serve as a critical lifeline for residents without reliable shelter as dangerously low temperatures grip Richland County this week.

Overnight warming center maintains steady attendance

First United Methodist Church, located at 12 North Diamond Street, continues to operate its overnight warming center whenever temperatures or wind chills drop to 20 degrees or lower.

Guests should enter through the side entrance on Park Avenue near the Tyger Free Little Library. Doors are locked at 9 p.m.; anyone arriving after that time must go to the Mansfield Police Department to request an escort.

Despite the extreme cold, Director and Pastor Peggy Powers of Truth Ministries said the center has not experienced the surge in guests that might be expected.

“The strange thing is there really hasn’t been a big increase,” Powers said. “My logic is when it’s really cold, everyone helps everyone. Family members who don’t typically help will step in and allow family members to stay in their house.

“We’ve had some new faces, but we’re maintaining about 14 people a night.”

The warming center has the capacity to serve approximately 25 guests and has accommodated as many as 22 on particularly cold nights. Powers said the center would never turn anyone away, even if it reached capacity.

“We have tons of cots, and we would just find a way to put them in hallways if we needed to,” she said. “We never turn anyone away — we would figure it out.”

The center provides cots, blankets, pillows and a safe, warm space, with men sleeping in a separate area from women and children.

Volunteers and donations remain critical

Beyond warmth, guests’ needs vary day to day. Clothing assistance is often provided through Addy’s Attic, which is approaching its 12th year of serving the homeless community.

“When we don’t have what someone needs, we’re directly linked with Addy’s Attic,” Powers said.

While donations are always appreciated, Powers said volunteers are the most urgent need.

“The main thing we need is people,” she said. “We would love to have two or three volunteers per shift. Half the time we only have one, and there are nights when we don’t have anyone for the overnight hours.”

Volunteer shifts are available from 7 to 11 p.m. and from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Powers said the center has narrowly avoided staffing shortages thanks to last-minute volunteers stepping in.

“Thankfully, every time, somebody comes through,” she said.

Powers emphasized that volunteering does not have to be a long-term commitment.

“It can be once or twice this year, and it would help tremendously,” she said. “Come together as a team — husband and wife, friends — and you can do one night.”

Those interested in volunteering can contact Powers at 419-564-9542.

Daytime warming center sees increased demand

While overnight warming center numbers have remained steady, demand at daytime warming centers has increased significantly as the cold weather persists.

Community Health Worker Lanetta Moore said the daytime center has seen a noticeable rise in visitors over the past month — at the Project ONE/ARC Empowerment Center daytime warming center located at 378 Park Avenue West.

The warming center provides three hot meals a day and a table with free cold-weather clothing. The center is staffed with three community health workers who can help visitors connect with resources including food assistance, financial assistance and housing resources.

“Numbers have definitely increased,” Moore said. “We’re seeing numbers in the 20s, where we normally see less. From last month to this month, there’s been a big increase.”

Moore said attendance fluctuates depending on individual circumstances but noted one demographic has become more common during the recent cold weather.

“We’re seeing more children,” she said. “There are a lot of families struggling right now.”

Although space is limited, Moore said they would make accommodations if needed.

“We do have a second location,” Moore said. “We run a feeding center out of the bottom of it, so I would probably say they would open that up if needed.”

The organization is also in search of a van to transport people in-between the daytime and nighttime warming shelters.

Growing need exceeds beyond warmth

As the number of daytime guests grows, Moore said needs extend beyond warmth alone. Plans are being explored to install a shower and laundry unit to better serve guests.

Increased attendance also brings increased material needs, including personal hygiene items, food, prepared meals that can be frozen, plastic utensils and new sweat outfits.

“Something clean and warm,” Moore said. “Sometimes they’ve worn their clothes for weeks, so we want them to have clean clothes. And we ask that the items are new.”

Book-bags and rolling luggage are also in high demand, as many individuals carry all of their belongings with them.

“The other day, we had a lady carrying her things in a trash bag, and it ripped open,” Moore said.

These people are human beings and they need to be treated as such.

lanetta moore, community health worker

Moore also addressed common misconceptions surrounding homelessness.

“I know that these places have stigmas, but these are good-hearted people,” she said.

Drugs, alcohol, addiction and mental health issues do not always play a role in homelessness, Moore added, noting she often reminds people that many are just one or two paychecks away from the same situation.

“These people are human beings,” she said. “And they need to be treated as such.”

Volunteer help is also critically needed, particularly male volunteers. Moore said additional male volunteers are requested for safety reasons.

“We try to do it in shifts, like three-hour increments, and we have to have two people at all times,” she said. “A lot of us have been just doing it from open to close because we don’t have enough volunteers.”

Those interested in volunteering can contact Project One at 567-241-6781.

(Photos of the supplies, storage and main room at the daytime warming center located at 378 Park Avenue West. Credit: Hannah Martin)