By RYAN SKAITH
With temperatures plunging to single digits throughout the area, some residents may need a place to warm up.
St. Joseph and Savannah have warming centers in place to help accomodate those that need to get out of the elements.
Director of Community Investments with United Way of Greater St. Joseph, Jodi Flurry, says there are several warming center locations in the city. “For the area, its mainly the public library system, as well as the Salvation Army.”
The locations include the Downtown Library, Carnegie Library, East Hills Library, and Washington Park Library. The Rolling Hills Libraries in St. Joe and Savannah also act as warming centers.
Flurry adds, “The Salvation Army also has some availabilty for people to sit and warm up in the mornings.”
There are some restrictions on what people can bring into the warming centers, which Flurry says includes but is not limited to alcohol, weapons, smoking and animals. “Service animals are likely allowed, but beyond that, there may be restrictions on bringing in animals.”
According to Flurry, warming center hours vary by day and by branch. She recommends calling the warming centers directly for exact hours or to visit the United Way of Greater St. Joseph’s website.
Flurry notes most warming centers are ADA compliant and have restrooms and water fountains.
