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City of Birmingham’s Warming Station to Remain Open All day on Monday, Jan. 1

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Because frigid daytime temperatures have been forecasted for Monday, Jan. 1, the City of Birmingham’s warming station at the BJCC will be open all day on Monday, Jan. 1.

“We want to provide comfort and protection from the cold for our citizens, which is why we have been operating a warming station at the BJCC’s South Hall since Dec. 25,’’ said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. “Over the last two days, the daytime temperatures have hovered around the upper 40s and the evening temperatures have been in the upper 20s to low 30s. During that time, the warming station has opened at 5 p.m. and closed at 9 a.m. the next day. But daytime temperatures are not expected to go above freezing on Jan. 1, which is why the warming station will be open all day.”

“We have partnered with area homeless shelters and agencies to help as many people as possible to gain access to a safe and warm environment,’’ Woodfin said.

“We’ve been able to run a successful warming station, thanks to committed city employees and the donation of food and time from volunteers, faith groups and area restaurants. I thank them for their dedication and service,’’ Woodfin said. “This is an ongoing example of the core of our administration: ‘Putting People First.’ ‘’

Because the warming station will be open all day on Jan. 1, additional volunteers are needed between 12 and 5 p.m. To volunteer, please visit this link. The door to the South Hall faces Ninth Avenue North, which is between Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard and 19th Street North.

Several area restaurants and churches have pledged to bring food each night to feed those in need.However, supplemental food such as warm pizzas, prepared chili or soup, and grilled cheese sandwiches are needed for Wednesday, Dec. 27; Friday, Dec. 29; and Sunday, Dec. 31 to help stretch the main dishes that have already been donated. Volunteers served 225 people on Dec. 25 and 200 people on Dec. 26. Organizers expect at least 225 people tonight, Dec. 27.

“Our doors open at 5 p.m., restaurants drop off food at 5:30 p.m. and we start feeding at 6 p.m.,’’ said Don Lupo, director of the Mayor’s Office of Citizens Assistance. “But by 8 or 8:30 p.m., 50 to 60 extra people may enter the warming station in search of food and a place to sleep. We need that supplemental food to feed the latecomers.’’

If interested in donating food, please contact Lupo at 335-4573.

Lupo has also noticed that men are in need of donated items such as new long johns and underwear in sizes 2X and 3X. Women are in need of new underwear. Donations may be made at the warming station each day, between 12 and 5 p.m., at the rear entrance to the South Hall on Ninth Avenue North.