Winter Warming Centers

Warming Centers have specific operating hours:

• 24/7 Access: The Third Shift Warming/Cooling Center (at First English Lutheran Church), Community Development for All People, and Our Brothers Keeper (for ages 18-24) are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

• Daytime Access: Centers like Jordan’s Crossing, The Open Shelter, and Columbus Relief have specific daytime hours. 

• Overnight Access:
  - Star House for ages 14–24 is open for drop-in from 10:30 pm–2:00 pm.
  - A Step in the Right Direction for ages 18+ is open from 9:00 pm-7:00 am.

Please check the specific hours listed for each location.

Generally, no. Most centers listed, such as Star House and Columbus Relief, accept walk-ins during their operating hours. However, if you need a guaranteed overnight shelter bed outside of these warming center options, please call the Homeless Hotline at 614.274.7000.

Yes, during normal business hours. Columbus Metropolitan Library branches and Columbus Recreation and Parks community centers are open to the public and can serve as safe places to get out of the cold. Please note that, unless specifically announced, these facilities do not feature specialized amenities, such as beds or showers, that some dedicated Warming Centers offer.

You can plan your bus route to any of the listed centers using COTA. Visit ride.cota.com to map your trip from your current location.

Some centers provide meals, but it varies by location:

• Jordan’s Crossing serves dinner on Fridays at 5:30 pm
• Some overnight locations offer meals; contact them for more information.

For immediate food assistance, you can call the Food Line at 614.341.2282, Monday–Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm.

Columbus Relief offers laundry and showers, but they must be scheduled during weekdays. Please call 614.517.2038 to make an appointment.

Star House offers clinical therapy and case management services for youth ages 14–24. For general medical concerns, Mount Carmel Housing Outreach can be contacted at 614.234.4646, though they are not a crisis line. If you have an immediate medical emergency, please call 911.

The Third Shift Warming/Cooling Center at First English Lutheran Church offers pet-friendly overnight accommodations, subject to availability. Please contact the individual centers directly to ask about their specific pet policies before arriving.

Yes. Star House, 1220 Corrugated Way, is specifically dedicated to youth ages 14–24 and offers drop-in services 365 days a year. Our Brothers Keepers serves young people ages 18-24. Youth are also welcome to utilize our other locations.

If you are concerned about someone living outside, you can leave a message for the Mount Carmel Housing Outreach team at 614.234.4646. If the person is in immediate danger or having a medical emergency, please call 911.