By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
As cold weather approaches, plans are underway to open a warming center in Bowling Green.
The Brown Bag Food Project will open its doors to people who otherwise would face frigid nights in vehicles or outside.
The food pantry is partnering with First United Methodist Church to offer the warming center, according to Amy Holland, of Brown Bag.
“We’re starting to notice an increased number of unhoused people in our community,” Holland said. The thought of people shivering through the night was unbearable. “This is Ohio and winter sucks.”
So beginning Nov. 16, the Brown Bag at 530 Sand Ridge Road will be open every night until March – regardless of the temperature outside.
The building will open for overnight guests at 8 p.m. If no one arrives by 10 p.m., and no prior arrangements have been made, the building will close. If the police find people without a home during the night, the Brown Bag Food Project will open to take them in, Holland said.
The guests can stay at the warming center until 7 a.m.
Those seeking shelter should not expect comfortable accommodations – but it will be warm. Because of space limitations and fire safety codes, no beds or cots will be set up. There will be tables and chairs, and blankets. The Brown Bag has no laundering facilities, so people will be able to take their blankets with them when they leave.
Food will be available, such as easy to prepare microwave items and snacks.
The maximum capacity of the warming center will be determined after inspections by Bowling Green’s fire and police divisions. Holland is estimating the capacity to be around 10.
“This is our first year doing this, so we have no idea what to expect,” she said.
The warming center will be staffed by Holland and three other Brown Bag staff members.
The community is asked to help by donating winter outerwear and ready-made food. A donation bin will be set up outside Brown Bag Food Project, and Prudy Brott owner of Sunset Bistro has offered her restaurant at 1220 W. Wooster St. as a collection point through Nov. 10.
Items needed include coats, gloves, scarves, hats, hand warmers, socks, plus food like granola bars, oatmeal, ramen noodles, nuts and snacks.
“We can help keep people warm and safe when the cold of winter comes,” Brott said.
Items can be dropped off curbside, at the designated spot at the front door, and staff will unload cars.
