January 11, 2016 - Social service agencies and Mayor Tom Henry today met at the Rescue Mission in downtown Fort Wayne to reemphasize the community’s proactive winter weather contingency plan.
The Salvation Army, Rescue Mission, United Way of Allen County, Park Center, and Just Neighbors Interfaith Homeless Network work collaboratively with the City to provide the response and resources to individuals needing shelter from health-threatening conditions due to weather conditions. The winter weather contingency plan agreement took effect in July 2015.
The community’s primary warming center is hosted by the Rescue Mission, 301 W. Superior St. The Rescue Mission’s level one warming center is open every day from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. when temperatures reach 40 degrees. Their level two warming center is open every day with additional space from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. when temperatures reach 32 degrees.
As agreed upon by the partner agencies, the City’s warming center at the Community Center is open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and is activated because of varied weather situations. Weather factors would include precipitation, forecasted conditions of 10 degrees or below and wind chills of near zero or below.
In addition, the Rescue Mission provides additional overnight accommodations for single men until its space is exhausted. When the winter weather contingency plan is activated, the Salvation Army provides shelter overnight for single men and single women. The Salvation Army and Just Neighbors work together to determine emergency space for families and couples.
Due to current weather conditions, the winter weather contingency plan was activated yesterday and runs through Wednesday.
“We’re appreciative to have outstanding partners committed to assisting those in need,” said Mayor Henry. “The winter weather plan was organized and developed by local experts in the homelessness field. Their work and recommendations should be commended and respected.”