The warming center offers an overnight relief station when temperatures fall to 40 degrees or below. It is typically open from December 1 to March 31 for members of the community who are exposed to extreme weather elements, which can be life threatening. Visitors are provided with a cot, clean linens, a hot meal, and access to laundry and shower facilities.
Jody O'Neill, scheduling coordinator at the warming center, said, "We opened last weekend and we're open all this week, and we will continue to remain open as long as the temperatures are below 40 (degrees) until March 31."
The center typically doesn't open this early. In fact, O'Neill said their annual training session was just held Monday night for about 20 volunteers. Three shifts are covered each night the warming center is open: 5:30-10:30 pm, 10:30 pm to 4:30 am, and 4:30-8:00 am. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. They will welcome guests, assign bedding, and schedule showers, among other tasks, but O'Neill said they are also there to offer love and encouragement to those who are in need.
O'Neill says volunteers tell the guests, "This is just a bump in the road and they've got a nice warm place to sleep tonight. Also, the warming center does put you in contact with agencies that help find jobs, room and board, help with addiction, budgeting skills, anything like that that someone may need."
She said several people have enjoyed it so much, they have been volunteers for 6 or 7 years.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering at the warming center may contact Jody O'Neill by calling 270-705-1207 or sending an email to jdojco1115@yahoo.com .
