35 people in need served at Carbondale Warming Center in January

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – The City of Carbondale recently collaborated with the Carbondale Warming Center during the extreme cold weather last month.

Through this partnership the City provided funding to CWC, making it possible to serve an overflow of 35 people in need.

Visitors from Jackson, Williamson, Union, Perry, Franklin, and Winnebago counties and from outside states including Indiana, California and Texas used the warming center.

One guest shared that while traveling from northern Missouri to Alabama, he became stranded when trains and buses cancelled services for several days.

He was able to find safe, warm refuge thanks to the CWC before resuming his travels.

All guests were served breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and given warm clothing, shoes, socks, and coats.

CWC keeps stats on all arriving guests.

Everyone is asked “where did you sleep last night” and the majority of report that they have no stable or reliable place to sleep and 85% of guests reported diagnosed mental health issues. All
guests report having a physical ailment or chronic condition like diabetes, asthma, etc.

CWC staff provides additional services to guests to help improve their quality of life.

CWC staff assisted 12 of the 35 people who did not have an ID or the money to pay for one.

They were connected with the Carbondale Police Department’s Mental Health Advocates to get the notarized paperwork to move that process forward at no charge to them.

Obtaining ID’s will now allow them access to employment as well as other services.

The Carbondale Warming Center is raising money through the fundraising campaign, Coldest Night of the Year, in which people form teams and raise funds to walk in a 3-5K on February 24. The event will take place at the Carbondale Community High School. There will be a meal and family friendly activities. Tap here to register or donate to further support the Carbondale Warming Center.