The Fulton County Warming Center Program will reopen for the upcoming winter season on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Heart Church of the Nazarene, 1987 Southway 31, in Rochester.
First launched in 2024 and hosted by several churches in Rochester last year, this year Heart to Heart Church of the Nazarene has volunteered to host the warming center for the entire season and plans to open the center each evening until March 15.
“We are grateful to the churches and organizations that helped us launch this program and made it possible in 2024 — Church of the Heartland, New Life Church, Heart to Heart Church of the Nazarene, and Fellowship Missions,” said Amy A. Roe, President of H.O.P.E. “Without their willingness to partner with us last year, share resources, and help us learn and grow, our program would not be where it is today.”
The Warming Center provides a safe, welcoming refuge from the cold for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The Center is open daily from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., with intake between 6 and 9 p.m. Each evening guests are offered a warm meal, clean bedding, hygiene supplies, and a to-go breakfast. Separate sleeping areas are provided for men and women to ensure comfort and privacy.
To enhance organization and stability this season, the Fulton County Warming Center Program has implemented two key changes. A part-time Facility Coordinator has been hired to oversee daily operations, supported by four Volunteer Managers and multiple dedicated volunteers. The Volunteer Manager roles include Food Acquisition Manager, Laundry Manager, Volunteer Scheduling Manager, and Inventory Manager. In addition, a Steering Committee has been established to provide governance of the Program, its Facility Coordinator, and its volunteers.
Tammy Wilson, the Center’s Facility Coordinator, is currently finalizing volunteer leads and has launched the volunteer sign-up link, available on the H.O.P.E. website at fchope.org under the Volunteer tab, or directly at https://fchope.ivolunteer.com/volunteers.
“Our volunteers are the heart of this program,” Roe added. “We couldn’t do it without them.”
Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. A Volunteer Training Session will be held on Thursday. Details will be provided upon registration.
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