Inclement Weather Center open on nights with a forecast of 40 degrees beginning November 1
Columbia, S.C. (November 1, 2019) – United Way of the Midlands is reminding the community that the Inclement Weather Center at 191 Calhoun Street is open on any night that temperatures are expected to drop to 40 degrees or below between November 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020 to provide shelter for adults 18 years and older.
The Inclement Weather Center is operated through a partnership among the City of Columbia, United Way of the Midlands, Transitions, and Salvation Army of the Midlands to provide safe shelter for adults experiencing homelessness. In 2018-2019, the Center sheltered 783 guests when temperatures dipped below 40 degrees at the Inclement Weather Center.
Through a new partnership, The Comet will provide free transportation for guests seeking shelter at the Center. A new pick up location has been established for this season and is located at COMET Central located at 1745 Sumter Street and across from the Clean of Hearts. Guests should board the bus on Laurel Street at bus stop #1122 using Route 7.
“We’re excited about partnering with The COMET to provide free transportation to the Center and are grateful to be able to provide an indoor waiting space with restrooms at the new pick up location, COMET Central,” said Sara Fawcett, President and CEO of United Way of the Midlands.
The Inclement Weather Shuttle will have pick-ups between 5:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and service will operate every 15 to 20 minutes. Guests should arrive no earlier than 4:45 pm to ride Route 7. No one is allowed to walk to the Center; all guests must ride the bus from the COMET Central location for safety reasons.
The Salvation Army will provide a hot dinner and breakfast. Showers are also available. The shelter will close every morning by 7:00 a.m.
The decision to open the Center will be made daily at 1:00 p.m. To find out if the shelter will open on a particular night, call 211.
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About United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands is the most collaborative, efficient and accountable model for investing in the improvement of the Midlands community. With nearly 65 Community Impact Partners, United Way works to identify and respond to the critical human service needs of Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg and Richland counties. Funds are raised through workplace campaigns, grant writing and individual donations and are directed to fight for causes including childhood literacy, economic mobility and dental and eye care for those without resources. For more information, please visit uway.org.