DETROIT – The City of Detroit has opened three warming centers to offer a break from the winter chill from now through March 31. Choice recreation centers and public library branches will also serve as respite centers to allow individuals to warm up during the day.
This plan will offer shelter to those who are homeless and do not use homeless shelters.
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Cass Community Social Services at 3901 Cass Avenue between Woodward and Second Avenue, has 50 beds and provides services for families only (parents and children). The center is open from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Operation Get Down has 200 beds for women, men and children. It is located at 6821 Medbury Street, between 1-94 Service Drive and E. Grand Boulevard. The facility is open from 6 p.m. tp 7 a.m.
The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries has 100 beds for men only. The center, located at 3535 Third Avenue near downtown Detroit, is open from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
All the centers will operate during inclement weather, including holidays.
The three facilities combined are expected to accommodate between 350-400 persons at a time. If the forecast calls for temperatures of 10 degrees or lower, services will be extended to include daytime hours.
Clients may be picked up by vans from organizations that offer outreach services such and/or referred by other homeless agencies. Upon entering the warming center, clients are expected to complete the intake process for admission.
Everyone at these centers will be supervised. They will also get two hot meals, counseling, showering and sleeping accommodations. If necessary, a nurse will be called for medical help.
For information regarding the warming centers, call 313-224-9224.
In addition, all Detroit Public Library branches will be open and available to the public as respite centers. Check with your local DPL branch for hours. The Recreation Department will also operate four respite sites this winter during normal center operating hours. The recreation center times and locations are as follow:
Butzel Family Center | 7737 Kercheval
Monday - Friday | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Crowell Recreation Center | 19601 Lahser Rd
Tuesday - Friday | 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Heilmann Recreation Center | 16630 Crusade
Tuesday - Friday | 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Williams Recreation Center | 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd.
Monday - Friday | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.