Columbus expands warming center options as winter cold intensifies and demand for indoor refuge rises

Multiple city, nonprofit and partner sites are operating as warming options during cold snaps

As temperatures drop across central Ohio, Columbus has activated a network of warming options designed to help residents avoid prolonged exposure to dangerous cold. The response includes dedicated winter warming centers operated by homelessness-response providers and extended-hours public facilities that can serve as short-term refuge during extreme weather.

The city maintains a public-facing roster of warming locations and hours, covering a mix of recreation centers, libraries and partner sites that may be activated when very cold weather is forecast. The information is structured to help residents identify nearby facilities and confirm operating hours, with phone support available through the city’s 311 service line.

Dedicated winter warming centers and how access works

Separate from general public buildings, a set of winter warming centers operates specifically to provide indoor, low-barrier access for adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability. These sites include locations offering 24/7 access, overnight-only operations, and daytime-only hours, with each location setting its own capacity and amenities.

• Some sites operate around the clock, providing continuous access during the cold season.
• Overnight sites typically open in the evening and close in the morning.
• Daytime-only sites provide warming access during business hours and may offer limited additional services.

The region’s coordinated homelessness response also directs people who need guaranteed overnight shelter options to a centralized Homeless Hotline (614-274-7000). For immediate medical emergencies or life-safety concerns, residents are urged to call 911.

Warming centers generally allow walk-in access during posted hours, while guaranteed overnight shelter placement is handled through the Homeless Hotline.

Extended-hours recreation centers during extreme cold

During periods of extreme frigid temperatures, Columbus Recreation and Parks has opened warming access at five regional community centers with extended hours. The listed sites include Barnett Community Center (1184 Barnett Road), Dodge Community Center (667 Sullivant Ave.), Linden Community Center (1350 Briarwood Ave.), Marion Franklin Community Center (2801 Lockbourne Road), and Thompson Community Center (1189 Dennison Ave.). Operating hours and locations may change based on conditions such as power outages.

Planning, capacity and transportation considerations

Warming center capacity can fluctuate throughout the season as funding and operational needs change, and some centers may limit entry based on referral rules, age eligibility, or pet policies. For transportation, public transit trip-planning tools are available to map routes to warming locations, and city and partner listings provide phone numbers for direct confirmation before travel.

Officials and providers emphasize that cold-weather response is time-sensitive: residents who are unsure whether a site is open are encouraged to confirm hours by phone and to seek help early, before temperatures fall further overnight.