Owosso City Church in Owosso, Michigan, opens doors to anyone seeking shelter from cold

As the cold continues through the week, some local groups are offering warm meals and shelter to people in need. In Owosso, all are welcome at Owosso City Church, whether they want a hot meal or a warm place to sleep overnight.

Volunteer Jon Moore said the church views its building as a resource for the wider community. “We look at this building as an asset to the community, not just ours. So, any chance we get to feed someone or to help someone out, we like to open our doors,” he said, describing the practice of hospitality that guides the effort (Matthew 25:35).

Moore said guests can expect a warm space, along with snacks, coffee, food and water. He said the church has received donations from supporters, including toiletries, feminine products, coats and hats. Guests need to arrive by 10 p.m., and the church can keep them inside until early morning, which Moore gave as 7 a.m. or 9 a.m.

Moore said the need is high in Owosso. “In our community, we don’t have any emergency shelters,” he said. He said some local places can help people find housing or a place indoors during business hours, but he described a gap during off hours for people living in tents or moving from couch to couch without a stable place to stay. “We want to be a solution to that,” he said.

With the cold expected to continue throughout the week, Moore said the church is looking for more volunteers to keep the warming center running. He described the work as being present and helping guests get oriented to the building, including where the bathrooms, snacks, water and coffee are. He also encouraged people to contribute what they can. “Food, funds, you can go a long way with people who need that help,” he said. Those interested in volunteering can contact the church through its Facebook page.

Several other mid-Michigan communities are also offering warm places to stay. In Bay City, the Great Lakes Dream Center on Lafayette Avenue will open Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22.

In Flint, Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties operates a warming center for men at the Center for Hope on Root Street. It also runs a safe haven for women and children 17 and under at the North End Soup Kitchen. The Genesee County Jail will keep its lobby open for anyone needing to warm up.

In Saginaw, Gideon Christ Community Church is opening its banquet hall to shelter people from the cold.

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