TOPEKA (KSNT) – Local organizations are opening warming centers in the Topeka area ahead of a forecasted winter storm.
Ashley Gilfillan with Shawnee County Parks and Recreation announced on Jan. 22 that, due to forecasted cold temperatures and snow, her agency is ready to open several community centers to serve as warming centers for local residents that will be open during the day. She said this process will begin when the wind chill is expected to drop below 10 degrees Fahrenheit for two days in a row.
Gilfillan said that several community centers around the county will be heated and have other amenities like restrooms, water fountains and seating areas. The following locations will be opened as warming centers during their normal operational hours if needed:
- Hillcrest Community Center – 1800 SE 21st St.
- Crestview Community Center – 4801 SW Shunga Dr.
- Oakland Community Center – 801 NE Poplar St.
- Central Park Community Center – 1534 SW Clay.
- Garfield Community Center – 1600 NE Quincy St.
- Shawnee North Community Center – 300 NE 43rd St.
Winter storm watch issued for northeast Kansas
The Topeka Rescue Mission said announced a list of its own warming centers on Jan. 22. The TRM and Street Dog Coalition will be offering 24-hour warming centers starting at noon on Friday, Jan. 23. New Hope Food Pantry will open a daytime warming station starting at noon on Friday as well.
“Whether motivated by our shared humanity or by the belief that every person is made in God’s image, we all have a responsibility to care for one another,” said La Manda Cunningham, TRM CEO. ”This effort is an opportunity not only to save lives, but to show people they matter and to walk alongside them as they take a step toward transforming their lives.”
- Topeka Rescue Mission, west side of building – 601 NW Harrison (24 hours)
- Street Dog Coalition – 1921 SE Indiana - Lois Curtis Center (24 hours)
- New Hope Food Pantry – 415 SW Polk , open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Shawnee County Parks and Recreation will release additional updates on its warming centers on its website or on social media.
You can sign up to volunteer to help at one of the TRM’s warming centers by clicking here. You can make donations by clicking here.
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