Michigan weather is bound to bring snow and cold temperatures this winter, when that happens there will be a place for people to take shelter. The Holy Angels Warming Center opened Dec. 3.

The warming center is in its third year and will be open through March 31, 2013. It is housed in Catholic Charities' Center for Hope (former St. Michael School/Schools of Choice building) on Fifth Avenue in downtown Flint.

The center first welcomed guests in December 2010, and last winter, nearly 10,000 visitors came in from the cold to find a hot cup of coffee, a snack and TV, as well as books and magazines to pass the time, but most important of all, a safe place to stay warm.

"The response to our warming center last year was overwhelming," says Jon K. Manse, Director of Catholic Charities Community Services.

The Holy Angels Warming Center is also welcoming donations of food and contributions to offset the high cost of heat, electricity and staffing.

"Our numbers grew, in spite of the milder weather. The shelters were full, and people were just trying to get in out of the cold. We saw an increase in the number families with children, college students with nowhere to go, and people who are unable to afford to heat their homes. We were happy to be able to help," said Manse. 

For more information on ways to help, please contact Jon Manse at Catholic Charities at 810-785-6911 or email givehope@ccsgc.org.

The warming center is a collaboration between Catholic Charities of Genesee County and Resource Genesee. Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties has served those in need since 1941. Community services include the North End Soup Kitchen, South Flint Soup Kitchen, Holy Angels Soup Kitchen, Holy Angels Community Closet as well as the Holy Angels Warming Center. 

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