OHIO — As winter weather continues to impact central Ohio, bringing several inches of snow and possible dangerous travel conditions, many cities are opening warming centers to offer shelter from the cold.
Central Ohio
With snow accumulation expected to increase as the storm moves south, warming centers in and near Columbus are offering refuge to those in need. These centers, many of which have been open since December 1, will remain operational through March 31, 2025.
Some local centers include:
- Jordan’s Cross – 342 N. Hague Ave.
Monday-Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Dinner at 7 p.m.)
Saturday-Sunday: Closed - The Open Shelter – 1037 Parsons Ave.
Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. - Star House – 1220 Corrugated Way
Open 24/7 for individuals ages 14-24 and their small children. - First English Lutheran Church – 1015 E. Main St.
Open 24/7. - New Covenant Church – 1505 E. Deshler Ave.
Open 24/7, except Saturday from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - MY Project USA – 3275 Sullivant Ave.
Open 24/7 starting Dec. 31. - Columbus Relief – 2000 Parsons Ave.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. - Columbus Libraries & Recreation Centers
Various hours – see individual branch and center listings for more details.
Newark
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (592 W. Main St.) will provide shelter from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 8-11.
Cleveland
In Cleveland, multiple recreation centers will stay open until 10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Jan. 4-5, including:
- Michael Zone Recreation Center – 6301 Lorain Ave.
- Lonnie Burten Recreation Center – 2511 East 46th St.
- Collinwood Recreation Center – 16300 Lakeshore Blvd.
- Zelma George Recreation Center – 3155 Martin L. King Blvd.
Akron
Akron is extending hours at the Summit Lake Community Center (380 W. Crosier St.) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Jan. 5-10. The Emergency Overnight Shelter (111 E. Voris St.) will operate from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. through Jan. 10.
Dayton
Dayton’s warming shelters will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Jan. 6-10, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 11 at:
- Greater Dayton Recreation Center – 2021 W. Third St.
- Lohrey Recreation Center – 2366 Glenarm Ave.
- Northwest Recreation Center – 1600 Princeton Dr.
The St. Vincent DePaul shelters are also open for those in need:
- Men’s Shelter – 1921 S. Gettysburg Ave.
- Women and Families Shelter – 120 W. Apple St.
With winter temperatures plummeting and the storm on the way, these warming centers provide vital services for Ohio residents in need of warmth and shelter. This article will be updated as new warming centers are announced.
