Attendance at cooling centers increases as heat persists

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia day shelter for homeless people said Tuesday that it sees a major increase in people using its services during extreme heat like the temperatures blanketing Mid-Missouri this week.

Turning Point at Wilkes Blvd United Methodist Church offers services to those facing homelessness or a housing crisis.

"Services we provide in addition to providing water include showers, laundry, internet and computer access, phone access, phone charging, mail, storage, quiet place to lay down, movie to watch, clothing vouchers,  and access to other resources," said a Turning Point spokesperson in an email.

Turning Point said its attendance increases by 30-40% on hot days, and the number of water bottles volunteers pass out almost doubles.

The Columbia Public Library is another cooling center in Columbia. The library has water fountains and a water bottle filling station.

"We typically get a lot more traffic during the summer. And, that could be because people are coming in, out of the heat. It could be because families are coming in for something else to do," said public relations manager Mitzi St. John.

The ABC17 Stormtrack Weather team has issued a Weather Alert Day through Thursday as dangerous heat persists in Mid-Missouri.

A high of 97 degrees was forecast Tuesday in Columbia with humidity pushing the heat index well beyond the century mark. Similar conditions are expected into the weekend.

Columbia has seven designated cooling stations in all.