Warming Centers Open Amid Bitter Cold In Metro Detroit

OAK PARK (WWJ) - Multiple warming centers are opening Wednesday as the region deals with bitterly cold temperatures.

Anyone who is stuck out in the cold and exposed to the elements is encouraged to find temporary shelter and relief at the warming centers. The facilities, unless otherwise noticed, do not provide overnight stays, shower facilities or serve meals. Tables, chairs and restroom facilities are available.

Oak Park is turning its Community Center (14300 Oak Park Blvd.)  into a Warming Center. It's open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In Detroit, three warming centers are open to Detroit residents, and will remain open from through March 31. If the forecast calls for temperatures of 10 degrees or lower, services will be extended to include daytime hours.

Cass Community Social Services, located at 1534 Webb, has 40 beds and provides services for families (male and female parents and children). The center is open from 4 p.m. – 8 a.m.

Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries has 100 beds for men only. The center, located at 3535 Third Avenue near downtown Detroit, is open from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m.

The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries also operates a second center with 25 beds for women and children only. The center is at 3840 Fairview, and is open from 4:30 p.m. to 9 a.m.

In addition, all Detroit Public Library branches will be open and available to the public as respite centers. Click here for locations and hours. The Recreation Department will also operate five respite sites this winter during normal center operating hours:

Butzel Family Center | 7737 Kercheval
Monday - Friday | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Crowell Recreation Center | 19601 Lahser Rd
Tuesday - Friday | 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Heilmann Recreation Center | 16630 Crusade
Tuesday - Friday | 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Williams Recreation Center | 8431 Rosa Parks Blvd.
Monday - Friday | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Coleman Young Recreation Center | 2751 Robert Bradby Dr.
Tuesday - Friday | 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.