Warming centers open across Mid-Michigan

Severe cold weather prompts warming centers to open across the Great Lakes Bay Region

By: Mikaila Bluew, Delta College Student Submission

A blast of severe winter weather is moving through Michigan this weekend, bringing dangerous wind chills that increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. To prepare, warming centers across the state have opened to provide safe and heated spaces for community members. Here is a look at the centers in the Great Lakes Bay Region:

Salvation Army of Bay County
The Salvation Army of Bay County is operating a warming center to combat the extreme cold at 401 Tenth St. in Bay City. The center provides a heated indoor space for community members seeking relief from unsafe conditions. The warming center is open to all residents, with no documentation or fees required, and walk-ins are accepted. The hours of operation vary based on weather conditions. Individuals are encouraged to call (989) 893-3041 to check availability.

North Midland Family Center
The North Midland Family Center offers a warming facility at 2601 E. Shearer Rd. in Midland, for individuals affected by extreme cold or power outages. The center provides temporary indoor shelter during weather-related emergencies. The hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. but may change as conditions evolve.

Greater Midland Coleman Family Center
The Greater Midland Coleman Family Center, located at 4839 N. Coleman Schools Drive, is operating as an extreme cold shelter during periods of hazardous winter weather. The center provides short-term access to a heated indoor space for those in need. Hours of operation may vary depending on daily weather conditions.

Midland County Council on Aging
The Midland County Council on Aging operates multiple warming centers throughout Midland County, including locations at 415 E. Webster St. in Coleman, 3243 N. West River Road in Sanford and 4700 Dublin Ave. in Midland. Hours of operation vary by site and are dependent on weather conditions.

West Midland Family Center
The West Midland Family Center, located at 4011 W. Isabella Road in Shepherd, is currently providing a warming shelter for severe winter weather. The center offers a heated indoor space for individuals affected by extreme cold and serves residents in Midland and surrounding counties. Operating hours are dependent on the weather.

Midland’s Open Door
Midland’s Open Door is offering a temporary warming shelter at 412 W. Buttles St. in Midland. The shelter provides daytime access to a heated indoor space within the soup kitchen. Overnight accommodation is not available. Hours of operation may vary based on weather conditions.

Greater Midland Community Center
The Greater Midland Community Center, located at 2205 Jefferson Ave. in Midland, is operating as a warming and cooling center during periods of extreme weather. The hours of operation are dependent on weather conditions and staffing.

There are additional warming centers across Michigan, including those in Clare, Detroit, and Kalamazoo. More information is listed in a statewide directory through Empowering Michigan. Additional resources can be found by calling 2-1-1 or visiting mi211.org.