City of Columbia Missouri Community Relations

P.O. BOX 6015 COLUMBIA, MO 65205

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 8, 2021

CONTACT: Brian Adkisson
Communications and Creative Services Manager
City of Columbia
[email protected]

Sara Humm
Public Information Specialist
Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services
[email protected]

Update - City of Columbia to extend temporary overnight warming center at Wabash Bus Station through Saturday, Feb. 13

(COLUMBIA, MO) - Dangerously cold conditions are expected to remain in the mid-Missouri area through the upcoming week. The City of Columbia will extend its temporary overnight warming center through the evening of Saturday, Feb. 13. The center, located at Wabash Bus Station, 126 N. 10th St., is open from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. each evening. The overnight warming center serves as a resource for individuals unable to access local emergency shelter services.


Original Press Release: Due to the National Weather Service (NWS) forecast for unseasonably cold weather below 9 degrees Fahrenheit, the City of Columbia will open a temporary overnight warming center at Wabash Bus Station, 126 N. 10th St., Saturday, Feb. 6 and Sunday, Feb. 7, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. each evening. The overnight warming center will serve as a resource for individuals unable to access local emergency shelter services. City staff will continue working closely with emergency shelter providers to ensure access to overnight emergency shelters as the preferred option for persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services coordinates a network of warming and cooling centers in the community during extreme temperatures. As the temperature begins to drop, the public is reminded of several locations in Columbia available to those who need shelter from the extreme cold. 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.

Columbia's warming centers include:
  • ARC (Activity and Recreation Center), 1701 W. Ash St.
  • Boone County Government Center, 801 E. Walnut St.
  • Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, 1005 W. Worley St.
Official shelters provide sleeping accommodations. These locations may or may not include meals. Columbia's official shelters include:
  • Room at the Inn, visit roomattheinncomo.org for dates and locations
  • Salvation Army Harbor House (men, women and families), 602 N. Ann St.
  • St. Francis House (for men), 901 Range Line St. - no availability at this time
  • Lois Bryant House (women and families), 913 Range Line St. - no availability at this time
  • Rainbow House (for children/youth), 1611 Towne Dr.
  • True North (for domestic violence), please call 573.875.1370
  • Welcome Home (for veterans), 2120 Business Loop 70 E.
Additional information on warming centers can be found at CoMo.gov/Health/Human-Services/Warming-and-Cooling-Centers.

Location: 126 N. 10th St.

City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.

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