MAYOR GOODWIN, COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO OPEN WARMING CENTER AT SALVATION ARMY

Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin directed city emergency services to collaborate with the United Way of Central West Virginia, Charleston Police Department, Kanawha Valley Collective and local Fire Departments to provide staffing and support for a warming center during the expected record low temperatures predicted in Charleston beginning Sunday, January 20 through Monday, January 21.

“Due to record lows expected in the region, we will open the Salvation Army and Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center to provide relief from the cold weather,” said Mayor Goodwin. “Thank you to our partners and volunteers.”

The warming center—a collaboration between the City of Charleston, service providers and community volunteers—will be open at the Salvation Army, 301 Tennessee Avenue, on the west side of Charleston.  The warming center will be open from 9 p.m. Sunday evening to 7 a.m. Monday morning and 9 p.m. Monday evening to 7 a.m. Tuesday morning to accommodate those in need of shelter from the cold. The City of Charleston is also offering a warming center within the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center on Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for those in need during the daytime.

Additional services and support for the warming center is being provided by the Salvation Army, Prestera Center, YWCA/Sojourners Shelter, Roark Sullivan Lifeway Center and other community organizations.

If individuals and/or groups are interested in volunteering to staff the warming center, contact Margaret O’Neal at 304-340-3503 or moneal@unitedwaycwv.org.