Work on Rochester Homeless Facility is On Schedule
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Rochester's new Community Warming Center is on schedule to be completed in early November.
The facility across 4th Street Southeast from the Government Center was authorized by the Rochester City Council and Olmsted County Board as a temporary measure to provide a safe place for people dealing with homelessness to spend the night during the cold winter months. When completed, it will have 30 beds, 3 shower stalls, 3 restrooms, along with clothes washers and dryers, and kitchenette space.
It is expected to open in early or mid-December. It is designed to serve homeless adults and will be open from 9 PM through 7 AM each day. Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota will operate the warming center. Spokesman Tom Parlin says the organization will be training staff and volunteers on location through the month of November.
“The warming center coordinator will identify 15 or more Community Partners to assure we have volunteers every night the center is open,” Parlin continued. “Individual volunteers not associated with a community partnership will also help staff the center.”
Parlin says 3-5 people are being sought to fill paid positions. The night shift manager's job will be to work with the volunteers and the homeless guests of the warming center to ensure everyone's safety.