Local residents finding warmth and community support at a cold weather shelter during frigid temperatures.
As frigid temperatures grip the Midlands, local shelters are mobilizing to provide warmth and safety for those in need. RADIUS Church in Lexington and O’Neal Street United Methodist Church in Newberry are among the places offering shelter and essential donations like coats and blankets. The Orangeburg City Gym is also operating as a warming shelter, while Harbor House and Room at the Inn are stepping up their efforts amidst rising community needs. The urgency of the situation is amplified by the forecast of a snowstorm, highlighting the importance of these resources.
The sweet town of Lexington is shivering, and it’s not just because of the chilly winter air! As the temperatures drop to near zero this week, many residents are rallying together to provide a warm place for those in need. Cold weather shelters are opening across the Midlands, offering comfort and safety to anyone who might be experiencing the bitter cold.
One of the go-to places for warmth is RADIUS Church – White Knoll, located at 5181 Platt Springs Road. This friendly local church welcomes anyone in need from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting from January 6 up until January 10. The church isn’t just providing shelter; they are also accepting donations, such as coats and blankets, to help keep their guests warm. So if you have some extra winter gear lying around, they would surely appreciate the invaluable support!
Meanwhile, over in Newberry, the O’Neal Street United Methodist Church at 501 O’Neal Street opened its shelter doors at 10 a.m. on January 7. Guests can warm up with hot meals and comfortable cots that will surely bring some relief from the chill. It’s great to see such community warmth in action during these frigid temperatures!
Not to be left out, the Orangeburg City Gym, located at 410 Broughton Street, is stepping up to help by operating as a warming shelter from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.. This shelter will be available from January 7 through January 11, providing basic amenities to keep individuals safe and comfy throughout the long, cold nights.
In Columbia, Harbor House is doing heroic work to assist families without shelter, currently housing over 50 residents. They not only offer beds and food, but also set up a special cold cot program. This program has beds available for individuals when the temperature drops below 35 degrees Fahrenheit. The warming center at Harbor House is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. when those temperature thresholds are met.
Another lifeline for those seeking shelter is Room at the Inn. Typically, this organization opens its doors at 6:30 p.m. and closes at 8 a.m., providing a warm place to sleep during extremely cold weather. Unfortunately, during a recent winter storm, they reported that all 95 cots were filled extremely quickly, forcing staff to turn individuals away, highlighting the pressing need for safe spaces during these harsh conditions.
As of 2023, at least 270 unhoused individuals have been documented in Boone County. It’s no surprise that, with the looming temperatures, community organizations are emphasizing the dangerous conditions those without shelter face when the cold weather strikes. The recent forecasts suggest that many areas are in for a snowstorm, raising the stakes for the most vulnerable.
So, if you or someone you know is feeling the bite of winter, it’s crucial to reach out for help from local shelters. Let’s all keep an eye on our neighbors and spread warmth, kindness, and support during this frosty season! Together, we can weather this storm.
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