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Columbus Opens 24‑Hour Warming Shelters as Historic Snowstorm Hits City

Updated (8 articles)

City Launches Around‑the‑Clock Warming Centers Amid Snowstorm Mayor Andrew Ginther announced that three facilities—the Third Shift Warming/Cooling Center, Community Development for All People, and Our Brothers Keepers—will operate 24 hours to protect residents from extreme cold, and he pledged that no one will be turned away [1]. A dedicated hotline (614‑274‑7000) routes callers to available shelter space, while nonprofit partner Jasmie Franklin’s group has secured hotel rooms for roughly 80 additional people and added a third‑floor area to increase capacity [1]. Transportation assistance is provided, with Franklin’s staff personally driving individuals to the centers [1]. Meteorologists warn that bitter temperatures will persist for at least a week, heightening the urgency of the shelter effort [1].

Regional Network Maintains Over One Thousand Beds for Homeless The Community Shelter Board reports more than 1,000 beds across six traditional shelters and five overnight warming centers, ensuring families are never capped [2]. The First English Lutheran Church center added 70 walk‑in spots, while the Westgate United Methodist Church site offers a flexible 40‑bed capacity with chairs when cots fill [2]. Free COTA bus service and police‑run transport shuttles remove barriers to access, and the Franklin County Dog Shelter launched a 14‑day, no‑cost boarding program for pets of shelter users [2]. Officials aim to leverage winter shelter usage to boost permanent housing placements, targeting a threefold increase over previous years [2].

Mobile Outreach Brings Supplies Directly to Camps Mission Warmth repurposes a renovated school bus to deliver coats, hats, gloves, boots, sleeping bags and other essentials to unhoused individuals in Franklin and Delaware counties [3]. The program, which runs from December through March, has already assisted more than 1,000 people this winter and plans to visit seven camps on Friday before temperatures plunge [3]. Volunteers, a core team of about 12‑13 people, prioritize veterans to provide tailored connections and support [3]. The mobile model complements shelter services by reaching those who avoid indoor facilities [3].

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Timeline

Dec 4, 2025 – City officials activate multiple warming centers as wind‑chill forecasts dip into the single digits; Columbus Metropolitan Library branches and Recreation & Parks centers open during normal business hours to provide heated refuge for vulnerable residents[8].

Dec 5, 2025 – Columbus prepares for a winter surge by opening two overnight warming centers and scheduling two more to open on Jan 1, targeting a total of 160 beds; the 3rd Shift Center permits pets, filling a gap in traditional shelters[7].

Dec 9, 2025 – West‑Side nonprofit MY Project USA announces it will not reopen its Sullivant Avenue overnight warming center this winter, citing “pacing of resources” rather than a funding shortfall; the site had sheltered 175 people last season, and founder Zerqa Abid says, “MY Project USA could reopen immediately if funding becomes available”[6].

Dec 15, 2025 – Columbus City Council approves $2 million for the Community Shelter Board and $200,447 for extreme‑weather activities, funding an overflow shelter at Westgate United Methodist Church that will open at the end of December to expand winter capacity[5].

Jan 1, 2026 – Four overnight warming centers, including Our Brothers Keepers for youth 18‑24, begin operations, bringing the city’s bed count to the 160‑bed baseline established last year[6].

Jan 2026 (early week) – Forecasts warn wind chills could reach –15 °F; the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s main branch runs a shelter from noon to 9 p.m. on Monday, and the Community Shelter Board lists eight warming locations with hotlines for shelter and food assistance[4].

Jan 21, 2026 – Mission Warmth drives a renovated school bus into Franklin and Delaware county camps, distributing coats, gloves, boots and sleeping bags to more than 1,000 unhoused individuals; the nonprofit prioritizes veterans and plans to visit seven camps that Friday[3].

Jan 24, 2026 – The Central Ohio warming center at First English Lutheran Church adds 70 walk‑in spots for the approaching storm; overflow will shift to partner sites and hotels, while COTA provides free bus service and police officers transport people directly to warming centers[2].

Jan 27, 2026 – Mayor Andrew Ginther declares, “Every resident will be accepted into a city shelter,” as three sites—Third Shift, Community Development for All People, and Our Brothers Keepers—operate 24 hours; a hotline (614‑274‑7000) and hotel referrals expand capacity for a week‑long cold snap, and founder Jasmie Franklin notes that “people who normally avoid shelters are now seeking help,” personally driving individuals to the center[1].

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