People experiencing homelessness in downtown Columbus have a place to get warm, thanks to the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless.
The Coalition is operating a Warming Center at the Broad Street United Methodist Church, 501 E. Broad St. this fall and winter season. Guests have access to hot beverages as well as access to resources and services.
The Warming Center is staffed by the Coalition from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday through March 31, 2022. Staff and volunteers provide hospitality, hygiene supplies, and linkage to services for guests. Showers and laundry services are also available to guests of the Warming Centers.
Keith McCormish, director for the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless, said the warming centers are serving upwards of 100 visitors a day.
If you see someone who appears to be experiencing homelessness, please share the Warming Center’s hours and location with them. Or you can call the Capital Crossroads and Discovery Special Improvement District’s hotline number, 614-228-5718, to request someone to talk to someone in need.
The Warming Center is made possible with funding from the City of Columbus, Franklin County, the Community Shelter Board, and the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation.
Your help is needed. The Coalition is looking for packaged snacks like chewy granola bars and fruit bars, instant oatmeal, coffee, creamer, hot chocolate, to-go coffee cups, along with new underwear, socks, hats, and gloves.
You can drop off those donations at the SID’s office at 23 N. 4th Street, Columbus, OH 43215, or donate money to purchase these items. A tax-deductible donation to the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless through their website here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SRX82AFDVM39U
Updated December 3, 2021