Fulton County Warming Shelter offers refuge to those in need

Fulton County Warming Shelter Coordinator Whitney Yates said it has been heartwarming to see the community come together for the shelter, stating that around 30 people have already reached out to her about volunteering to help. The warming shelter officially opened its doors this week on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at the Heartland Church, 321 E. Eighth St., Rochester.

The Fulton County Warming Shelter officially opened its doors Tuesday, Jan. 7, providing a warm place to sleep for the homeless, stranded motorists, or residents struggling with heating issues during the winter months.

The warming shelter will remain open for the rest of January each evening at the Heartland Church, 321 E. Eighth St., Rochester, with a paramount purpose of preventing death and injury from exposure to the elements. The church will be open for intakes from 6-8 p.m. through Friday, Jan. 31, for people to come to spend the night. Those staying should enter on the south side of the building.

Fulton County EMA director Dawn Sewell said the local health department provided 20 mats for the warming shelter. Woodlawn Health also provided the blankets, linen and pillows, even offering free laundry service for the shelter. Those staying at the shelter will be provided with a free dinner each night, as well as a bagged breakfast to go with them in the morning. Although the shelter check-out time each morning is at 7 a.m., those struggling with a warm place to stay during the day are encouraged to visit places like Fulton County Public Library’s Rochester branch, 320 W. Seventh St., or The Cross Church, 100 W. Third St., until the shelter reopens in the evening. 

Fulton County Warming Shelter Coordinator Whitney Yates said it has been heartwarming to see the community come together for the shelter, stating that around 30 people have already reached out to her about volunteering to help.

Although passing a Breathalyzer test at the door isn't a requirement to be able to stay at the warming shelter, they do have one on site for safety reasons that will be used if there is any hostile behavior. Yates said as things are getting settled, the more volunteers they have the better and said anyone who can pass a background check is welcome to join volunteer efforts for evenings at the warming shelter. The team hopes for more local churches to get on board to potentially provide shelter services in the future. They hope to be able to provide a warming shelter until March, but for now, the Heartland Church has the site available until Jan. 31. Those interested in helping at the warming center can contact Yates via text at 574-727-0078.