January 28, 2019
In anticipation of dangerously low temperatures beginning on Tuesday, the City of South Bend, with support from the Red Cross of Northwest Indiana and the St. Joseph County Emergency Management Agency, will open the Charles Black Community Center as an emergency warming center from 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 29 through 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 1. The warming center is intended as a safe place for individuals and families who experience loss of heat in their homes during this time.
The City of South Bend will be limited to essential City services from noon on Tuesday through noon on Thursday.
Individuals and families experiencing homelessness are still encouraged to use overnight winter amnesty resources at area providers, which are best equipped to meet their needs. Due to the extreme conditions, the winter amnesty sites at Tutt St. operated by Hope Ministries and the Center for the Homeless at their downtown location will not turn any individuals away for overnight shelter.
Transpo will be running fixed routes without charging fares from Tuesday through Thursday.
Residents and local groups interested in providing volunteers or assistance can contact the St. Joseph County Emergency Management Agency at 574-235-9358.
South Bend Animal Care and Control would like to remind residents that all animals must be indoors during these extreme temperatures. Residents who find animals outside should call 574-235-9303.
For more cold weather tips, the St. Joseph County Health Department has information available at sjchd.org.