BY DAVID MAMARIL HOROWITZ

david.horowitz@bgdailynews.com

Warming centers will serve the public 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout this week’s forecasted cold weather, which the National Weather Service predicts will hit a low of around 11 degrees Fahrenheit Wednesday night.

The Community Room at Sugar Maple Square, at 1347 Richardson-Anna Road, opens Monday. The Capitol, at 416 E Mail Ave., will open with movies and popcorn Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Wellness Connection, at 428 Center St., will open Friday.

The service is being provided via a multi-agency partnership among WCPL, Bowling Green Neighbors, Wellness Connection, HOTEL INC and the Sheriff’s Office.

Free lunch, snacks and coffee will be served daily. Those stranded outdoors can call the Sheriff’s Office at 270-842-1633 for assistance getting to a warming center, Sheriff Brett Hightower said. The Warren County Public Library Little Free Shuttle, reachable at 270-781-4882 (ext 904), will also be available for transportation to the warming centers; at the end of the day, it’ll also take people to the LifeNav Collaborative Center for the 5-5:30 p.m. registration at Room in the Inn, which collaborates with churches to provide overnight shelter.

“We see especially a need for folks who are unhoused and don’t have anywhere to go during this cold weather, but there are many reasons someone would use the warming centers,” WCPL Community Outreach Manager Emily Witthuhn said “If you have a home, but you lost your power because an ice storm comes through, you’re welcome at the warming center. If you’re looking for something to do, and you want to catch a movie, you’re welcome at the warming center.

“These centers are for everyone.”

Though decisions will depend on the actual weather, The Salvation Army also expects to provide shelter beyond its usual 77-space programming for at least the coming week in response to the low temperatures, The Salvation Army Capt. Monica Horton said Friday.

The nonprofit opens up its dining room for daytime warming stations when the current day’s temperature dips below 35 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period during the day; it provides cots and mats for overnight stays if the temperature remains below that temperature threshold, Horton said.

For these overnight stays, The Salvation Army expects people who arrive during Room in the Inn’s registration hours to first utilize the latter’s service; The Salvation Army has around 25 cots, along with mats, to take overfill from Room in the Inn as well as people who arrive after the latter’s registration hours.

The Salvation Army decides whether to provide these additional spaces based on the current day’s weather: When temperatures stay below 35 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period, people can expect The Salvation Army to be open, she said; people can call (270) 843-3485 to check whether The Salvation Army’s additional weather-prompted shelter availability is in effect.

“It’s really for people’s safety,” Horton said. “When the weather is hazardous, we are wanting to offer a safe space for people, and the doors are open to anybody who needs to get out of the winter weather elements.”

Daytime warming center hours are usually 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check-in begins after 6 p.m. for the weather-prompted overnight shelter; people can stay until at least 8 a.m., or longer if the weather stays below 35, Horton said.

To donate drinks, snacks, winter supplies (such as hats, gloves or hand-warmers) or money to contribute to those at this week’s warming centers, contact BG Neighbors at 615-581-7106 or bgneighbors.aid@gmail.com.

The Salvation Army welcomes donations, especially hat, gloves and other winter warming items, Horton said; among others that they’re seeking are hand warmers, chapstick, tissues, toiletries, coffee, bottled water, blankets and coats. They’re best dropped off at the center, she said.