Northeast Ohio cities open warming centers as temperatures drop to single digits

Several cities in Northeast Ohio, including Akron, Canton, Cleveland, and Lorain, are preparing for the upcoming drop in temperatures, with single digits expected next week.

One of the initiatives includes the opening of a seasonal shelter at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Cuyahoga County, starting on Sunday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m.

The seasonal shelter, which can serve 35 people a night on a first-come, first-serve basis, will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. every day.

In addition, the Cleveland Fights Back Network has announced the operation of warming centers and distribution of hot meals in two locations on both the west and east sides of Cleveland. The warming centers will be available on Monday, Jan. 20, at the Cleveland Liberation Center on 9801 Denison Ave. and at New Era Clubhouse on 11713 Buckeye Rd. The centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with meals being served from 12-2 p.m.

On Sunday afternoon, the city of Cleveland announced that warming centers will be opened through Wednesday, Jan. 22.

The four recreation centers acting as warming shelters are: 

• Michael Zone Recreation Center
• Lonnie Burten Recreation Center
• Collinwood Recreation Center
• Zelma George Recreation Center
  • 3155 Martin L. King Blvd.

Each of the locations in the list above will operate during the following hours this week:

• Sunday-Monday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Tuesday-Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik’s office said the city’s shelter is in need of winter gloves and hand warmers. Donations can be delivered to the Peter Maurin Center at 1096 South Main St. on Tuesdays and Fridays between 10 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., or on Sundays between 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.

• Lorain High School
  • 2600 Ashland Avenue
  • Open from 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19 through 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20.
  • Will be open through 11 a.m. on Tuesday if school is closed due to weather
• Faith Ministries Christian Church
  • 1306 Euclid Avenue
  • Open at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan 20 through 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23

The United Way 211 service is also available. Please dial 211 or call 1 (800) 275-6106 for immediate assistance. The American Red Cross is providing cots and blankets for those in need.

For further information, please contact the City of Lorain Safety Service Director’s office, 440-204-2060 (office) or 440-787-1179 (mobile).

• South Park Recreation Center
  • 101 South Park Drive
  • Opens at 7 a.m. on Monday, Jan 20. Expected to stay open through 7 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23.

The City of Akron has announced extended hours for the Summit Lake Community Center to serve as a warming center next week.

The Summit Lake Community Center will operate between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. from Sunday, Jan. 19, to Wednesday, Jan. 22 to provide a safe and warm space for residents. The center will return to normal business hours on Thursday, Jan. 23, unless otherwise specified.

In addition, the Emergency Overnight Shelter, located at 111 East Voris St., will reopen on Saturday, Jan. 18. The overnight shelter will be open every night from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. from Saturday through Wednesday, Jan. 22. The shelter will will provide food, shelter and clothing in partnership with the Peter Maurin Center, Summit County Continuum of Care and Community Support Services. 

Residents can find more information about the shelter’s services at akronemergencyshelter.org.

Mayor Don Walters announced the City of Cuyahoga Falls will activate its Natatorium as a warning center beginning on Monday, Jan. 20. The warming center will open as soon as the Natatorium concludes business Monday. The city did not specify when the warming shelter will cease operations. 

• Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium
  • Check in at Cuyahoga Falls police station – 2310 2nd St. (entrance near Oakwood Drive intersection)
  • Restrooms, water and warm, safe area available. No food, cots or showers

The City of Canton will open additional warming centers on select days and times. The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority will provide transportation to the shelters during regular operating hours. Individuals can access SARTA from any regular bus stop to the Cornerstone Transit Center on Cherry Avenue Southeast. The fee will be waived for riders who notify drivers they are en route to a warming center.

If individuals need transportation outside of SARTA’s operating hours, they are encouraged to call the City of Canton at 330-649-5800.

The warming centers will operate as follows:

• Canton Memorial Civic Center
  • 1101 Market Ave. North, 44702
  • Open from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 19 through Monday, Jan. 20
  • Enter through north entrance. Food and water available

• Edward “Peel Coleman Community Center
  • 1400 Sherrick Rd. Southeast, 44707
  • Open 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20 through Wednesday, Jan. 22
  • Enter through west entrance. Food and water available
    • If taking SARTA transportation, use route #110.
• Crossroads United Methodist Church
  • 120 Cleveland Ave. Southwest, 44702
  • Open 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. nightly
  • Enter through Cleveland Avenue entrance. Food and water available.
    • If taking SARTA transportation, use route #102 or #105
• Refuge of Hope
  • 715 Second St. Northeast, 44704
  • Open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday, Jan. 20 to Friday, Jan. 24. Open 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25
  • Enter through Door no. 4 . Food and water available.