United Way officials announced today that the Warming Centers will be staying open until March 15, due to continued winter weather conditions. The Men’s Warming Center was scheduled to close on March 15.  The Women’s and Children’s Warming Center will remain also open until March 15 at this point.  These centers have seen a successful year this winter season, averaging 30 people between the two locations each night.  

“It was not temperature driven this year,” United Way President Kim Keel said. “We’ve made progress over the past three years and this winter they were open every night, beginning in November.”  

The 10 Year Plan to Respond to Homelessness, which was adopted by the City of Rock Hill in fall 2009, calls for the development of a single point of entry that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Keel met with the basic needs providers and the Catawba Area Coalition for the Homeless and issued a call for each of them to examine their mission and to consider if they would be the agency to expand their capacity to meet the need.  

Keel announced on WRHI Radio’s Straight Talk program today that one of United Way’s long-time key partners, Salvation Army, has stepped up and is working fervently to meet that need.  According to Keel, the plan has been presented to the Corps Commander in Charlotte, NC , and the Atlanta Regional Staff for approval.  “They are serious about their intent to establish a 24/7 point of entry for York County that’s staffed by licensed social workers who provide intensive case management,” Keel said.  Keel said United Way is very intent on achieving the 24/7 access point of entry this year.  

“We feel strongly about reporting our progress on this need in our community and look forward to future updates as we continue implementation of the 10-Year Plan to Respond to Homelessness,” Keel said.  

Both warming center staffs are working to secure appropriate long-term placement for the individuals they have been working with this winter, prior to the centers closing. 

For more information about the Warming Centers or United Way of York County, SC please call 803.324.2735 or visit www.unitedwayofyc.org. United Way will be the non-profit leader in identifying needs, facilitating collaboration and maximizing resources to positively impact the York County community.