Emergency warming shelter set to reopen in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) – Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing over the next few days.

Community organizations have partnered with the city of Columbus to reopen a warming shelter.

In the past, the location of the shelter has changed, but organizers said they’ll probably stick with the annex building for the foreseeable future.

Reverend Sandra Depriest has worked with the Golden Triangle Regional Homeless Coalition for almost a decade.

“We feel a real Christian duty to reach out to those that are homeless and to help them,” said Depriest.

As co-president, she oversees various programs, like the warming shelter.

“We’ve set 32 degrees as the temperature for when it’s extremely cold, so Thursday and Friday night of this week, we’ll have the shelter open,” said Depriest.

The shelter already opened two or three times this winter, but Depriest said there’s a misconception about what all the shelter has to offer.

“We will also provide meals while they are there for those who are staying there,” said Depriest.

“We have security all night long. We have volunteers to provide food and coffee, we have towels and hygiene kits. Have blankets and cots supplied by the Salvation Army,” said Martha Kirkley.

In the past, the police station doubled as a warming shelter.

Co-president Kirkley said there’s a reason for changing the location.

“We thought that people might be hesitant to come to the police station because they may have an outstanding warrant or something like that or they just don’t feel comfortable,” said Kirkley.

Kirkley said feeling comfortable is just as important as being warm.

“No one will be interviewing them or doing background checks,” said Kirkley.

The temporary shelterwas similar to other short term rental programs through the coalition.

“We have a contractual relationship with an area hotel and we help house people from one to three nights,” said Depriest.

“Some hotels and motels are just not open to the homeless population being with them, but we really have had no problems. We have one hotel on HWY 45 that we use often,” said Kirkley.

For now, volunteers do their best with what they have.

“It’s a safe spot. We’re just here to give them a warm place to spend the night,” said Kirkley.

The warming shelter will open Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 am.

Organizers said the shelter will stay open as long as it’s needed.