It’s been bitterly cold for more than a week. Cleveland has opened several recreation centers as warming spaces during the frigid temperatures, and they will remain open through the weekend. Temperatures are not expected to reach 20 degrees until at least Monday. If forecasts hold, the region is on track to tie cold-streak records dating back to 1889.

Find information on warming shelters and donation needs below. There is high demand for socks, coats and hand warmers. Seasonal shelters also need snacks and prepared meals.

Where are Cleveland’s warming shelters?

Cleveland warming centers are located at four recreation centers, Michael Zone, Sterling, Collinwood and Zelma George.

A city spokesperson said more than 430 residents had visited the the warming shelters as of Wednesday, many during the latest cold snap, which also brought double-digit snowfall totals.

Cleveland will open four recreation centers as warming centers through Feb. 1. On weekdays the centers will be open from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. On weekend days the centers will be open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Michael Zone Recreation Center (West Side)
6301 Lorain Ave.
(216) 664-3373

Edward J. Kovacic Recreation Center (near downtown)
6250 St. Clair Ave.
(216) 664-4140

Zelma George Recreation Center (Southeast)
3155 Martin L. King Blvd.
(216) 420-8800

Collinwood Recreation Center (Northeast)
16300 Lakeshore Blvd.
(216) 420-8323

What happens when the warming shelters close?

The centers close at 10 p.m., meaning some people leave while others receive RTA passes or rides to year-round or seasonal shelters.

Staff at the Michael Zone Recreation Center told Signal Cleveland they help people call seasonal overnight shelters to check capacity and use a van to transport people to locations with available space. The city also works with United Way of Greater Cleveland’s 211 team to identify the best options each day. United Way says it fielded 152 calls from people seeking shelter and 24 requests for warming centers in the past week.

What overnight shelters are available?

The county has year-round shelters downtown for men and women. The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless recently opened a low-barrier seasonal shelter. It can hold 40 people, which are referred or apply for a spot. The shelter has bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities and accepts couples and pets.

The Metanoia Project also runs an overnight shelter for 40 people on a first-come, first-served basis, and it has been full every night. It serves and evening meal and also accepts pets — dogs on leashes and cats in kennels.

The City Mission has a “zero turn-away” policy and provides cots and mats so people can sleep indoors even when the shelter exceeds capacity.

Temperatures are not expected to reach 20 degrees until at least Monday. If forecasts hold, the region is on track to tie cold-streak records dating back to 1889.

How can I donate to help?

NEOCH 1530 E.19 St., Cleveland
Donate:  Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 216-432-0540 to arrange a drop off day and time.

The Metanoia Project 11115 Kinsman Road, Cleveland
Donate: Buy an item from the wish list or arrange to drop off a donation.

The City Mission 5310 Carnegie Ave.
Donate: Donate items online or drop off donations fromMonday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Men’s Shelter operated by Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry 2100 Lakeside Ave.
Donate: Drop off items at the front desk (2020 Lakeside), Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. or donate online. 

Norma Herr Women’s Shelter operated by YWCA  2227 Payne Ave.
Donate: Drop off Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to  2 p.m. No appointment necessary. (Find a list of most-needed items.)


Who to call for help

The City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and local organizations offer a variety of resources for residents who need help when the temperature drops and the snow starts falling. Here are some of them. Call or text (216) 220-9398 if you know of resources that should be added to this list. 

  • Emergencies: 911
  • Non-emergency, snow-related service requests: 311
  • Social services for seniors and people needing shelter: 211
  • Power outages and downed lines: Cleveland Public Power, 216-664-3156, or FirstEnergy, 888-544-4877
  • Burst water mains: Cleveland Water, 216-664-3060

Signal reporters Nick Castele, Franziska Wild and Celia Hack contributed information.

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