GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Several warming centers have opened for people in need of warmth or shelter during the winter storm. Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator Matt Groesser said there are fewer open shelters than normal because several had closed for the holidays:
"There are a limited number of warming centers but first and foremost, we are suggesting to the public that they need to be able to sustain within their own residence. Because it looks like travel is going to be so dangerous that it may, in fact, be impossible," Groesser said.
Emergency Management will pass along the latest information that it receives from the National Weather Service and other sources such as 9-1-1 and 2-1-1 dispatch centers. Groesser said they’ve been meeting every morning with all of the stakeholder response agencies.
"But also, with some of the other programs that exist within the county, such as 2-1-1 (community response line), Meals on Wheels, Kent County Community Action. But also, like the health department, some fire, police and EMS, our road commission, some of the hospital networks and Region 6 Healthcare Coalition. That's just to name a few," he said.
Kent County Emergency Management is advising people not to travel during the storm. But if you need warmth or shelter, the following warming centers are open:
ALANO CLUB OF KENT COUNTY – 1020 College Ave NE – 616-456-5709
Daily 7:30am-9pm. Open during the Holiday
DEGAGE MINISTRIES – 139 Sheldon SE – 616-454-1661
Daily 7am-7pm. (Women’s overnight intake starts at 3pm each day) Open during the Holiday
EXODUS PLACE – 322 Front Ave SW – 616-242-9130
Mon-Fri, 7am-7pm (men only) Open during the Holiday
GOD’S KITCHEN – 303 S. Division Ave – 616-224-0217
12:30pm-2pm Mon-Sat Closed on Sunday
HEARTSIDE MINISTRY – 200 S. Division Ave – 616-235-7211
Daily, 8am-5pm Open during the Holiday
MEL TROTTER MINISTRIES – 225 Commerce Ave SW – 616-454-8249
All Shelter is open daily 4pm – 7am (Families, Men, Women, Transgender) Open during Holiday