MANSFIELD -- The ARC Empowerment Center is running a warming center, allowing unhoused people to seek shelter from the bitter cold. The center opens at 7:30 p.m. each night at 378 Park Ave. West. Guests must leave by 7:30 a.m due to other programs operating in the building. The entrance to the warming center is located on the Sycamore Street side of the building. For security reasons, no guests will be admitted after 10 p.m., unless escorted by police.
The center will continue to operate whenever temperatures are below 32 degrees -- provided there are enough volunteers. Volunteers are given a binder with procedures and may be asked to make coffee or hot chocolate for guests. The center opened Jan. 21 and has averaged about eight people per night. There are currently 15 cots available. The center accepts both men and women.
Finding volunteers to staff the warming center has been the biggest challenge. Individuals interested in volunteering can call Peggy Lewis at 419-564-9542. The community can also support the warming center through financial donations to Project One.
The center is also in need of bottled water, snacks, socks, hats, gloves, scarves and frozen soups that can be prepared in a crockpot.