14 January 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Most of Kansas will be facing dangerously cold temperatures this weekend. To protect people who may not have homes or heat, some communities are opening warming centers for them.
In Wichita, during the day, you can go to libraries and community centers to get out of the cold.
You can also head to the overnight shelter near 21st Street and Grove Street; there is a free bus route to get there.
The Homeless Outreach Team will be making rounds during this arctic blast to try to help individuals get to shelter.
Other communities have opened up some warming shelters for those who have no other options.
The Lyon County undersheriff told KSN that their lobby will be open with blankets and water and they will do what they can to find resources for those who have nowhere else to go.
“If we have someone that needs to get out of the cold even overnight 24/7, we’re here 24/7, we’ll allow them into our lobby. Deputies are always looking into things or people that may be in need and making sure that everybody is staying safe,” said Lyon County Undersheriff John Koelsch.
They’ll also work with the American Red Cross and local churches to find space for people who need a place to stay overnight.
List of warming shelters:
Barton County
A warming shelter should be open by 2 p.m. Friday at the Heartland Community Church located at 4907 10th St., Great Bend. Come to the south door. The shelter will be open for those who may lack adequate heat during the anticipated cold weather. The shelter will be open 24 hours a day for the next several days.
Ford County
Catholic Charities of Southwest Kansas, 804 N. 2nd Ave, Dodge City
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dodge City Public Library, 1001 N. 2nd Ave., Dodge City
Tuesday and Friday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
YMCA, 240 San Jose Drive, Dodge City
Monday, Tuesday, and Friday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Manna House Overnight Shelter (limited availability), 1012 1st Ave., Dodge City
Limited availability. Call 620-227-2707 to check bed availability.
Hours: Daily/overnight shelter
Check-in hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
For more information, contact Ford County Emergency Management at 620-801-4401 or United Way of Dodge City, 2110 1st Ave., at 620-227-8793.
Geary County
Fresh Start Emergency Shelter Inc., 136 W. 3rd Street, Junction City
Open 24 hours
Dorothy Bramlage Public Library, 230 W. 7th St., Junction City
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Geary County Public Health Department, 1212 W. Ash St., Junction City
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Lyon County
Emporia Police Department lobby, 518 Mechanic St., Emporia
Open to those in need and pets that are controlled by their owners
Lyon County Sheriff’s Office lobby, 425 Mechanic St., Emporia
Open to those in need and pets that are controlled by their owners
Raise Your Paw lobby, 312 Commercial St., Emporia
Monday-Friday: Only open 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome
First Congregational Church, 326 W. 12th Ave., Emporia
Pets are welcome if controlled by owner
Friday, Jan. 12: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 16: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 17: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church, 2023 W. 12th Ave., Emporia
Pets are not allowed
Tuesday, Jan. 16: 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 17: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sedgwick County
Wichita Public Library locations
Wichita’s temporary emergency winter shelter
Salvation Army locations are warming/cooling centers during hours of operation. The organization is not opening up any warming centers at the moment.
If you or someone you know is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, click here to find a list of local resources.