With winter weather quickly approaching, the Erie Sprout Creative Writing Team decided to highlight the Warming Center, offered by the Mental Health Association (MHA). The following excerpt was taken directly from their website. Please visit www.mhanp.org/dba/warmingcenter/ for more information and the Warming Center schedule. For those fortunate enough to have a warm place to sleep, please take a look at their Wish List of items currently needed.
On a cold January day in 2008, MHA attended a meeting at the Erie County Executive's office where the idea of opening a Warming Center for persons who were without shelter on the coldest of winter nights was being discussed. When it came time to consider where and when such a project could be established, MHA said we could open our Consumer Center from 11PM to 7AM starting in two days. With $5,000 in committed funding from the County and a willing MHA staff, The Warming Center at MHA was born. On any night when the overnight temperature is forecast to be 20 degrees or below, MHA coordinates with Erie County Emergency Management to get the word out to the community that the Warming Center at MHA will be opening its doors, accepting anyone who needs to come in from the cold during overnight hours provided they will abide by basic rules of mutual respect. MHA provides shelter, safety, food, coffee, activities, conversation, support, and a place to "nap" for those needing to rest.
In the 2011 winter season we were open 42 nights and provided warmth and comfort to over 400 shelterless persons. Individuals, churches, businesses and nonprofts throughout the community have generously stepped up to help with donations of funds, food, clothing, and blankets. Thanks to Erie's goodwill and support, the Warming Center at MHA has never missed a night because of lack or resources. The outpouring of care that we have experienced fills us all at MHA with great pride to be a part of such a loving community. Not only are they helping to provide a safe, warm place for those without shelter, MHA is a mental health consumer preferred employer. Every night the Warming Center at MHA is open, it is providing persons with mental health needs with a meaningful job.
One of the most impressive support efforts has come from our neighbors at The Upper Room at St. Paul's United Church of Christ at 11th and Peach St. They have graciously elected to open their facility for homeless persons between 5 and 11PM on any night on which we will be opening the Warming Center at MHA. Persons without a safe place to be will also have a resource during the evening hours when the temperatures can be life threatening. Our hats are off to The Upper Room. They could use some volunteers and financial help for their efforts and we encourage the community to support the Upper Room. Tom Schlaudecker and his staff will surely appreciate the help.
