Carbondale organizations face increased demand following warming center closure

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – The closure of Carbondale’s warming center is leaving a gap in services for people experiencing homelessness, and other community organizations are feeling the effects as more people turn to them for help.

The Carbondale Warming Center closed Oct. 31 after officials said deteriorating conditions inside the building and a lack of funding made it unsafe to continue operating.

The closure has shifted additional responsibility to organizations throughout the community that provide shelter, food and other essential services.

Good Samaritan Ministries, Survivor Empowerment Center and Take Action Today are among the organizations identified as resources for people who previously relied on the warming center.

However, those organizations have different services and limitations on what they can provide.

Good Samaritan Ministries operates a 24-hour emergency shelter with capacity for 30 people.

Take Action Today provides daytime services, including access to food, showers, laundry facilities and clothing.

Kelsey Driskell is the Site and Peer Supervisor for Take Action Today in Carbondale.

For organizations already working to meet the needs of vulnerable residents, the additional demand creates another challenge as colder temperatures approach.

Driskell shares that their nonprofit organization like many others are overloaded and are in desperate need of volunteers, financial assistance, and winter items such as coats and blankets.

“So were seeking financial donations to help hire seasonal staff which would help strengthen the day-to-day operations, whether it be daytime so we can help more people than we can actually hold a compacity for or of an overnight, ya know sometimes we see 20-30 people in here” says Driskell.

The warming center previously served approximately 30 people a night during the winter months, according to its Executive Director, Teneshkia Wright.

While community resources remain available, they do not necessarily replace the around-the-clock shelter the warming center once provided.

The closure comes as Carbondale continues working toward a longer-term solution. The city has received a $2 million federal grant intended to help fund improvements to homeless shelter services. However, officials are still working on a potential location and plan for a new facility.

In the meantime, local organizations are working to connect people with available resources while navigating the increased need for assistance.

As winter approaches, the challenge extends beyond finding temporary shelter.

Community providers say continued resources and long-term solutions will be important to addressing homelessness in Carbondale.

Anyone who would like to donate or volunteer to Take Action Today can call 618-212-3171.