A local organization is making a space available for those who need to get inside during the upcoming frigid weather.
“We are going to open the Hope Center for anyone who is homeless or needs a warm place to stay,” said Becky Bolt, director of administration and development for the Hope Center.
Bolt said officials decided that with the near historic low temperatures, the community needed a place for those in need.
“We have homeless that live in their cars already,” said Bolt.
She explained there is no homeless shelter in the county and those who work locally do not really have the option of going to an out-of-county facility. She said the Hope Center provides gas cards for some residents living in their automobiles.
“We don’t want to send people to their cars to spend the night,” Bolt said. “With the temperatures, there is no way.”
Bolt said the Hope Center, located at 212 Chestnut St., Marysville, will open tonight at 6 p.m. for anyone needing shelter.
She said there is no need to call ahead or make reservations.
“Just come in, we will sign them up and take care of them,” Bolt said.
She said the facility will be open Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
“This is just for these days,” Bolt said. “It’s not something we are doing every night.”
Hope Center officials said they know there is a need but have “no idea” how many people will take advantage of the makeshift shelter.
The Hope Center is putting out a call for help to local churches and other organizations. Bolt said to make the shelter available, it needs additional cots, blankets, sleeping bags, bottled water and snacks.
She said there is also a need for volunteers.
“Since we will be open all night, we feel we need more people,” she said, noting officials would like at least two people staying overnight.
Donations can be made to the Hope Center or by calling the center at (937) 303-4209.