LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A local Lima ministry is stepping up to help residents stay safe as arctic temperatures grip the region.
Northland Community Church has opened a warming station for anyone in need of a warm place to stay during the extreme cold. Volunteers from Connected Hope, a ministry through the church, are staffing the facility and providing bedding, food and fellowship to those who come through the doors. The warming station opened Sunday and has already made a significant impact for people seeking shelter from the cold.
“I live alone and it just sounds like a lot of fun, and it just keeps you out of the cold and keeps you well fed,” said Chris Steeves, who is staying at the warming station.
Volunteers say their mission is rooted in compassion and care for the community.
“The reason why we do it is because we just have a love for those that are within our community, and we want to make sure that they are safe,” said Jennie Hefner, a volunteer with Connected Hope.
Angela Thomas, another Connected Hope volunteer, said additional support could expand the ministry’s reach.
“One church can only do so much. If we can get more churches to volunteer, there's more days we can open up. There's more food that can be fed to others, more necessities that they may need that they may not get on the road,” Thomas said.
Those who need a place to warm up are encouraged to walk in at Northland Community Church, located at 1698 N. Main St. in Lima. The warming station will remain open through 9 a.m. Wednesday.
Anyone interested in helping with the warming center can call 419-233-1550.
