Freedom Warming Centers Open to Homeless
People On Streets Offered Refuge From Rain and Cold
The Freedom Warming Centers — overnight shelters for Santa Barbara homeless during periods of inclement weather — have been activated for this winter season. Unless otherwise noted, they’ll be hosted from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at specific locations on certain days.
First United Methodist Church at 305 East Anapamu Street will open Friday evening. Dinner will be cooked and served, and the church expects around 70 people to arrive. On Saturday night First Presbyterian Church at 21 East Constance will open to the homeless.
The locations will change on a day-to-day basis. To find out where the next center will be call (805) 324-2372. The program will run until the end of March.
Freedom Warming Centers open when temperatures reach 35 degrees or lower on any given night, when there is a 50 percent chance of rain for two consecutive days, or when there is a 50 percent chance of rain with temperatures below 40 degrees.
