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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">P.O. BOX 6015 <br />COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">November 15, 2022</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Ryan Sheehan
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services
<br />573.874.7632
<br />Ryan.Sheehan@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Warming centers, shelters available this winter</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - The City of Columbia partners with several emergency shelter providers in the community to provide a warm place for individuals to escape the cold.<br /><br /><strong>Shelters</strong><br /><br />Columbia's shelters include:<br /><br />
<ul>
<li>Flourish (for teens), please call 573.615.6135</li>
<li>Room at the Inn (beginning Nov. 28), 1509 Ashley St. </li>
<li>Salvation Army Harbor House (men, women and families), 602 N. Ann St.</li>
<li>Rainbow House (for children/youth), 1611 Towne Dr.</li>
<li>True North (for domestic violence), please call 573.875.1370</li>
<li>Welcome Home (for veterans), 2120 Business Loop 70 E.</li>
<li>St. Francis House (for men), 901 Range Line St. - must be vaccinated for COVID-19 to stay overnight</li>
</ul>
Shelters provide sleeping accommodations and may or may not include meals. Shelter availability may vary. Specific questions about the shelters should be directed to the applicable provider.<br /><br /><strong>Warming Centers</strong><br /><br />The City of Columbia will also contract with Turning Point to provide temporary overnight warming center services at Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church, 702 Wilkes Blvd. The temporary overnight warming center at this location will open only in the event of a National Weather Service forecast for temperatures 25 degrees Fahrenheit or below between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. of a given night. This resource becomes available on Nov. 28.<br /><br />Before November 28, Wilkes Blvd will operate in this capacity on a voluntary basis, outside of the contract.<br /><br />The temporary overnight warming center will serve as a refuge of last resort for persons unwilling or unable to access local emergency shelter services. Turning Poin
t staff will continue to coordinate closely with homeless service providers to ensure low barrier access to overnight emergency shelter as the preferred option for persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness.<br /><br />Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services also coordinates a network of warming and cooling centers in the community. As the temperature begins to drop, the public is reminded of several locations in Columbia available to those who need shelter from the cold.<br /><br />Columbia's warming centers include:<br /><br />
<ul>
<li>ARC (Activity and Recreation Center), 1701 W. Ash St.</li>
<li>City Hall, 701 East Broadway</li>
<li>Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, 1005 W. Worley St.</li>
<li>Columbia Public Library, 100 W. Broadway</li>
<li>Salvation Army, 1108 W. Ash St.</li>
<li>Salvation Army Harbor House, 602 N. Ann St.</li>
<li>St. Francis House, 901 Range Line St.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Take precautions to reduce cold weather threats</strong><br /><br />Warming centers are available to the general public during the building's normal business hours. The public is allowed access to public areas, such as lobbies, restrooms, drinking fountains, etc.<br /><br />Specific questions about each warming center should be directed to the facility management.<br /><br />In order to reduce cold weather threats, consider these precautions:<br /><br />
<ul>
<li>Dress warm and stay dry.</li>
<li>Wear a hat, scarf and mittens.</li>
<li>Do not ignore shivering. Shivering is a sign that the body is losing heat. If shivering persists, go indoors.</li>
<li>Know the warning signs for hypothermia, an abnormally low body temperature. Continued exposure to cold temperatures can cause confusion, drowsiness, clumsiness and exhaustion.</li>
<li>Know the signs and symptoms of frostbite or injury to the body caused by freezing. Frostbite mostly affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. Signs include tingling and numbness, white or grayish-yellow areas of skin and skin that feels waxy. </li>
<li>Avoid ice-covered walkways and be cautious while shoveling snow and clearing walkways.</li>
<li>Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses and bridges.</li>
<li>Limit outdoor time for children and monitor for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.</li>
<li>Check on family, friends, and neighbors who could be at high risk of cold-related injury or illness including the elderly, those who are fighting an illness and people who do not have access to adequate heat.</li>
<li>Provide proper shelter for pets. If pets or livestock must remain outdoors, provide fresh water and food supplies on a regular basis.</li>
<li>A driver who becomes stranded in their vehicle should cover their body with extra clothing and remain in the vehicle.</li>
</ul>
Additional information about warming centers can be found at CoMo.gov/Health/Public-Health-Safety/Warming-and-Cooling-Centers.</div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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