(WXMI) — Many locations in West Michigan are about to double as warming shelters before single-digit temperatures descend over West Michigan this weekend.
Nighttime lows are projected to fall below zero, with windchills expected to bring those temperatures even lower. These conditions may prove life threatening to people who are without shelter.
KALAMAZOO COUNTY
– Kalamazoo –
Kalamazoo Gospel Mission
448 N. Burdick St.
Open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Lunch will be provided. Overnight shelters are open at normal hours.
– Portage –
Westminster Presbyterian Church
1515 Helen Ave. (269-344-3966)
Open Tuesdays and Thursday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. through the last week of March.
Pickup available at Ministry with Community parking lot at 10 a.m., returns at 2 p.m.
Portage Zhang Senior Center
203 E. Centre Ave. (269-329-4555)
Sunday: 2–5 p.m.
Monday: 7:45 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday: 7 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 7 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Thursday: 7 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Friday: 7:45 a.m.–5 p.m.
Extended hours may be offered under certain conditions.
KENT COUNTY
– Grand Rapids –
Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) declared a Code Blue beginning Saturday, Jan. 18, lasting through Thursday afternoon.
The shelter says its overflow capacity space will open to allow 50 more guests every night. Outreach staff will boost patrol numbers to find people experiencing homelessness and offer assistance.
We're told the overflow Day Center (225 Commerce Ave.) will also be open.
MTM says the following locations will also act as warming shelters:
MTM GR Warming Center Poster by WXMI on Scribd
Donations can be made on Mel Trotter's website.
– Holland –
Gateway Mission's shelters are open 24/7, 365
“We know how dangerous these temperatures can be, and our priority is to protect every vulnerable member of our community,” says Jay Riemersma, Executive Director of Gateway Mission. “Our doors are open to anyone seeking refuge from the upcoming harsh weather.”
- Gateway Men’s Center: 166 S. River Ave, Holland MI 49423
Gateway Women & Children’s Center: 356 Fairbanks Ave, Holland MI 49423
If you'd like to help Gateway Mission, reach out via their websiteor call (616) 396-2200
MUSKEGON COUNTY
Muskegon County Emergency Management says the public can escape the freezing temperatures starting Sunday, Jan. 19 at the following locations:
Hackley Public Library
Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Muskegon Community College Hendrick Library
Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
Muskegon Township MADL Branch
Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
North Muskegon MADL
Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wednesday from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Norton Shores MADL
Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wednesday from 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday from 1 p.m.– 5 p.m.
Muskegon Rescue Mission – Community Resource Center
1747 Seventh St./Park St., Muskegon (231-714-4373)
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Men’s Shelter
400 W. Laketon
Overnight and during the day on Saturday and Sunday
Women’s Shelter
1691 Peck St.
Overnight and during the day on Saturday and Sunday
Please reach out to the location you intend to visit to make sure there is availability left.
Visit Muskegon Area District Library’s website for more locations.
VAN BUREN COUNTY
Bronson Wellness Center - Lobby
950 S Bailey Ave.
South Haven, MI 49090
Dates: Monday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 21
Hours: 5 a.m. – 8 p.m.
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