Detroit opens three warming centers as temperatures plunge

With frigid cold temperatures creeping into the region, the city of Detroit says three warming centers have been opened for residents through March 31. 

Detroit recreation centers and public libraries will also be opened to let residents keep warm during the winter months, according to a press release.

The city says it has contracted with three local nonprofit homeless service providers — Cass Community Social Services, Operation Get Down, and Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries — "to provide temporary relief to persons who are homeless and/or do not utilize existing homeless shelters available within city limits," the press release says. The facilities are expected to accommodate as many as 400 individuals at a time, the city says. 

Here's some background on the warming centers, according to the press release:

Cass Community Social Services, located at 3901 Cass Avenue, has 50 beds and will be open from 4 p.m.-8 a.m. daily. Contact Rev. Faith Fowler at 313-833-7730 or 313-883-2277 or by email at [email protected] for more information.

Operation Get Down, located at 6821 Medbury Streeet between the I-94 Service Drive and E. Grand Boulevard, has 200 beds for adults and children and will be open from 6 p.m.-7 a.m. daily. Contact Linda Jefferson at 313-925-4138 or by email at [email protected] for more information. 

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, located at 3535 Third Avenue, has 100 beds for men only and will be open from 5 p.m.-7 a.m. daily. Contact Daniel Townsend at 313-993-6703 or by email at [email protected] for more information. 

During extreme weather conditions, including holidays, each warming center will be operational. If weather forecasts suggest temperatures will be at 10 degrees or lower, hours of operation will be extended into the daytime, the press release says. 

Individuals are provided two hot meals, counseling, showering, and sleeping accommodations at the warming centers, the press release says. Medical attention will be provided, if deemed necessary. Specific questions on the warming centers can be addressed by calling 313-224-9224, 313-224-9027, or 313-610-1859.