MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI – Libraries in Muskegon County are opening their doors for warm shelter and food during dangerously cold weather conditions this weekend.
The Muskegon Heights, Muskegon Charter Township, and City of Norton Shores branches of the Muskegon Area District Library are inviting people to come inside and warm up on Friday, Jan. 23.
They will have free, shelf stable meals from Kids’ Food Basket for anyone.
Consumers Energy will be providing free cookies, warm drinks and help with electric bills at the following MADL locations on Friday: Dalton, Egelston, Montague, Muskegon Heights and Norton Shores.
See all the branches’ hours here.
Muskegon Rescue Mission
The Muskegon Rescue Mission Community Resource Center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday as a warming center. Coffee is served at 9 a.m. and lunch at noon.
CRC Director Angelique Connell said the homeless shelter that serves men and women does not close to weather conditions and have never been full. After 5 p.m., people in the community center can enter the shelter for the night.
It is a “low barrier” shelter, meaning someone is allowed to enter if they are intoxicated, for example. People may be turned away if they are a safety risk to themselves or others.
The space has several rooms where people can gather, get community resources and access a computer lab and phone.
The women’s shelter, which houses children as well, does not allow adults who are on the sex offender registry.
“We’re here, we’ve never been full and we’re ready to help,” Connell said.
Beyond the shelter, Connell said transportation and lack of resources can be a barrier and encouraged people to try and stay with family in the area.
Recovery center and church partner to offer shelter, food
The Samaritan Way Recovery Center, at 1465 East Apple Avenue, is open as a warming center every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There were about 40 people there Friday morning.
Leaders said there is plenty of food, snacks and coffee available.
At night, people are able to be transported to Covenant Community Church, 134 East Barney Avenue. The church will shelter people from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Dining and Cooking