Flint Warming Centers Open as Temps Plunge This Week

As temperatures take a sharp dive this week, Flint’s warming centers are officially open and ready to make sure no one is left out in the cold. Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties opened the doors at the Center for Hope Monday night, giving residents a warm, safe place to stay when the weather turns dangerous.

Warming Centers Open as Temperatures Drop

CEO Katie Baxter says the need is real, and growing. She said:

It’s very important that we have warming centers so there is a place we say that people can be safe, fed, and warm during the coldest of nights.

Center for Hope Overnight Services

For anyone seeking shelter, the line begins at 5 p.m., with check-in available between 6 and 7 p.m. The Center for Hope can accommodate up to 98 men overnight. Women and children will stay at the Shelter of Flint, which has opened additional space to make sure families have a warm place to sleep.

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During the day, the Center for Hope welcomes everyone, offering a safe spot to warm up as the community battles the bitter cold.

Carriage Town Ready for Overflow Support

If demand spikes, and officials expect it might, other organizations like Carriage Town Ministries are prepared to jump in and help with overflow. Baxter says this season is already showing how difficult the situation can be:

The need is there. It’s very unfortunate that not everybody has a warm place to go at night, but that’s the reality that we have here in our community.

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Shelters Asking for Winter Gear Donations

Local shelters are asking for donations to keep up with demand. Blankets, socks, gloves, hats, and other winter gear are especially needed as more people seek warmth and safety during the frigid nights ahead.