Paducah's warming center needs volunteers, supplies

Beginning Thursday night, Paducah's designated warming center will be open to provide overnight shelter from now through March.

Washington Street Baptist Church at 739 Washington Street can accomodate up to 20 people nightly whenever the overnight temperature is 40 degrees or below.

Anyone in need of shelter can visit the church from 5:30 until 10 pm on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

The warming center depends on volunteers to run safely. Many items are also needed, including hygiene items and other toiletries. Anyone interested in contributing to this effort is asked to create a free profile on the United Way's platform www.VolunteerPaducah.org and search for Washington Street Baptist Church.

Wild Health will provide rapid COVID-19 testing, and Paducah police will screen guests to ensure public safety.

Community Kitchen previously operated a warming center, but they advised they would be unable to provide the service moving forward. So instead, the organization said it would partner to ensure warm shelter would be possible this winter. The United Way and its sponsors then worked together to identify and recruit a host site. 

Community Kitchen, Heartland Church, Paducah Cooperative Ministry, and First Baptist Church all contributed financially to offset operational costs. Washington Street Baptist Church leadership voted to host this season's warming center.