Columbia has temporary shelter, warming centers in cold weather

Columbia has eight different location and several shelters set up to help keep people warm during the cold weather.

The Room at the Inn is an emergency shelter that moves around several local churches during the winter.

This month, it will be at Broadway Christian Church. It opened last month at the Fairway United Methodist Church and will be held at different locations until March. Like last year, the shelter will have 50 cots available.

The Room at the Inn is also the only “damp” shelter in the city, meaning they will let people stay who may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Anyone staying at the shelter does have to be at least 18 years old.

The city also has several spots where anyone can go during the day to get out of the freezing temperatures. Those include:

ARC (Activity and Recreation Center) at 1707 West Ash Street – (573) 874-7700

Armory Sports and Community Center at 701 East Ash Street – (573) 874-7466

Boone County Government Center at 801 East Walnut – (573) 886-4305

Columbia/Boone County Health Department at 1005 West Worley – (573) 874-7488

Columbia Public Library at 100 West Broadway – (573)443-3161

Salvation Army at 1108 West Ash Street – (573) 442-3229

Salvation Army Harbor House at 602 North Ann – (573) 442-1984

St. Francis House at 901 Rangeline – (573) 875-4913