United Way provides list of warming centers amid fall weather cool down

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The United Way of Greater St. Joseph has released a list of warming centers and emergency warming centers in the community.

There are six warming shelters and three emergency shelters in St. Joseph.

Some of the warming centers include:

• Carnegie Library, located at 316 Massachusetts St.
• Downtown Library, located at 927 Felix St.
• East Hills Library, located at 502 N. Woodbine Road
• Rolling Hills Library, located at 1904 N. Belt Highway
• The Salvation Army, located at 602 Messanie St.
• Washington Park Library, located at 1821 N. 3rd St.

Some of the three emergency shelters include:

• Community Missions (CMC) My Brother’s House, located at 700 1/2 Olive St.
• The Salvation Army Booth Center, located at 318 S. 6th St.
• YWCA Shelter, located at 304 N. 8th St.

Additionally, the list has the Rolling Hills Library listed as a warming shelter, which is located in Savannah.

The warming centers are ADA-compliant and most have restrooms and water fountains available.

Businesses that qualify as a warming center want to remind guests that:

• Some sites may close for holidays or other reasons.
• Disruptive patrons may be asked to leave.
• Each site may have restrictions on what is allowed, including but not limited to: alcohol,
  weapons, smoking and pets.

Jodi Flurry, the director of community investment at the United Way of Greater St. Joseph, said it's important to have warming centers for people who don't have adequate heating sources in their homes or have another place to go.

"So having these warming centers is really important. It's also it's good for your mental health, it's good for your physical health," Flurry said.

Any agency interested in serving as a warming center is encouraged to contact United Way.

"We're always looking to add more agencies and safe places for people to go," said Flurry. "So please contact the United Way if your agency is able to serve as a warming center, this one this winter."

More information about local warming centers can be found on United Way's website.