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WARMING CENTER OPENING
FRIDAY-SUNDAY NIGHT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12/21/2022 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO –

The Licking County Health Department (LCHD) is included in a partnership between local agencies and organizations known as the Licking County Emergency Warming Center Task Force. The task force aims to coordinate and establish warming centers in Licking County for individuals who are in need of a warm and safe place to temporarily shelter on extremely cold days or nights during the winter.

The Licking County Emergency Warming Center Task Force announces the opening of a warming center for anyone who is seeking a place to get out of the cold from Friday, December 23 - Sunday, December 25 in preparation for extremely cold temperatures.

The Task Force's threshold for opening a Warming Center is 10 degrees. Based on weather forecasted by EMA, coupled with anticipated snow accumulation and wind chill, a warming center is being activated.

Please help the Licking County Emergency Warming Center Task Force reach those community members who are in need of a warm and safe place to temporarily shelter on extremely cold days or nights during the winter. Spread the word by sharing this information and reaching out to those in need.

For more information about these Warming Centers and transportation to them, please call 211 or text 43055 to 898211.

DATES: December 23, December 24 and December 25
SITE: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church- 592 W. Main Street Newark
Hours: 5:30pm - 8:00am
Food provided by Licking Memorial Health System
Transportation will be from 5:30pm-8pm provided by Licking Memorial Health System

Free transportation is being provided to the Warming Centers by
Licking Memorial Health Systems from these locations:


Beginning at 5:30pm and ending at 8:30pm - a van will loop through these locations
Salvation Army - 250 East Main Street in Newark
Foundation Park - 30 N. 2nd Street in Newark (next to the Courthouse)
Don Edwards Park Entrance/South Newark Civic Association - 429 Ohio Street in Newark
The Licking County Library - 101 West Main Street in Newark
Women’s Health Center - 15 Messimer Drive in Newark

Morning transport will be the same loop

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS WEEKEND! CLICK HERE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING!

Here are the volunteer shifts needed for Thursday-Sunday Night.
These shifts are needed EACH night:

4:30-8:30 pm Intake - (fill out intake sheet provided, ask guests if they have any immediate cold weather needs and document on resource request sheet. For example, gloves, hats, socks) Two volunteers needed if possible

4:30-8:30 pm Food preparation - (set out snacks, make coffee, receive meals from LMH when they arrive, heat up meals, store meals in refrigerator as needed)

8:30 pm-12:30 am Late shift - (complete all tasks above, have guests in bed by 10:00 pm) Minimum of two volunteers needed, if possible, one male and one female.

12:30-5:30 am Overnight - (as necessary complete all tasks above. Guests should be in their beds sleeping at this time) Minimum of two volunteers needed, if possible, one male and one female. (Would really like FOUR volunteers)

5:30-8:30 am Closer/Cleanup crew (Relieves overnight crew, prepares coffee, wakes guests up in a timely manner to ensure smooth transition to transport to Salvation Army. Clean the facility, which includes wiping down tables, cleaning and restocking the bathroom, vacuuming, and emptying the trash into containers outside. Strip cot’s and apply bed bug treatment and remake with fresh blankets, and comfort kits. Deliver dirty laundry to the Salvation Army for disinfecting and cleaning.) Minimum of two volunteers needed, if possible, one male and one female. (Would really like FOUR volunteers)

Licking County Emergency Warming Center Task Force:

The Emergency Warming Center Task Force consists of representatives from LCHD, the Licking County Emergency Management Agency, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Pathways of Central Ohio/211, Newark Homeless Outreach, Licking County Humane Society, Licking County Coalition for Housing, Licking Memorial Health Systems, United Way of Licking County, the Faith-Based Community, and the Licking County Foundation.

Together, the representatives prepare warming centers when inclement weather arises. This includes identifying buildings that can serve as warming centers and training volunteers to assist in them.