As Evanston’s temperatures continued to drop in the peak of winter, with dangerously low temperatures reaching -11° Fahrenheit, the City of Evanston reopened its Warming Centers to provide space for community members without access to heat.
The warming centers are organized by the city’s C.A.R.E. (Crisis Alternative Response Evanston) Team, which worked to open five warming centers accessible to all residents. These locations include the Levy Senior Center, Robert Crown Community Center, Prieto Community Center, Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, and the Evanston Ecology Center.
The concept of warming centers in Evanston has been around for over ten years, according to the Deputy Director of C.A.R.E., Jeron Dorsey. This program has focused on putting space in existing buildings, such as community centers, to good use and coordinating with partner organizations.
“We view them [warming centers] as a critical part of the City’s broader commitment to public health, safety, and compassion,” says Dorsey.
There is a lot of coordination involved in preparing these locations that spans over multiple City of Evanston teams. To make these centers as efficient and helpful as possible, heating and supplies must be checked, as well as the staffing and safety of the building. One especially important preparation required to make sure these centers effectively reach residents in need is arranging transportation to these various locations.
“Our Youth and Family Services Division and C.A.R.E. Team play a vital role in coordinating transportation to remove barriers for individuals who need a warm place but may be unable to get there due to dangerous temperatures that make walking or public transportation unsafe,” said Dorsey.
Recently, the city has been making frequent changes, focused on accommodating residents’ needs and expanding public access and outreach.
“These changes are aimed at ensuring residents know where to go during extreme cold and that services are consistent, welcoming, and responsive,” says Dorsey.
Currently, Dorsey and team members are working to make the warming centers more well-known by focusing on outreach to ensure all Evanston residents are informed about the resources available to them.
Though this initiative has great intentions and has been effective for years, many community members didn’t know about the centers, especially during the week of January 19th, when temperatures remained below zero most days.
“I know we have had them in the past, but I don’t know where they are,” said math teacher Justin Dunn, adding, “They’re super important, because we need residents to be safe.”
Senior Vivie Aceves has heard of the centers and appreciates the stability and comfort it offers Evanston residents.
“I think that they are a great addition to our community because it gives people who do not have guaranteed heat a place to go where they can stay warm.”
