18-02-2025
QC warming center sees rise in use during dangerously cold temperatures
The Quad Cities is entering a stretch of dangerously cold weather.
'Many of us take for granted that we have homes to go to, and that we have warm beds and cars to get into,' said Cindi Gramenz, operations manager at Christian Care, Rock Island.
To help those experiencing homelessness, Christian Care is opening its warming center doors from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, when the temperature is 15 degrees Fahrenheit or below with windchill.
'Folks who are experiencing homelessness, or even those that are living in poverty, walk everywhere just to get their basic needs met,' Gramenz said. 'Basic needs shouldn't be privilege, it's just a right.'
According to Christian Care staff, its day room reached capacity within 45 minutes of opening Monday morning.
'This year, in particular, the need just seems to be far greater,' Gramenz said. 'There's just a lot of folks out there with no place to go, and it's always our goal to make sure that folks are warm and safe.'
Gramenz said that when Christian Care reaches capacity it works with partner agencies to locate additional warming centers that can help those experiencing homelessness get off of the street.
'To be able to offer that to them is important,' Gramenz said. 'Whatever we can do to make their quality of life better is what we are all about.'
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