Good Neighbors Warming Centers is adding a new location to its program, and it officially opened its doors Tuesday night.
Reno First United Methodist Church will be one of the many churches taking turns welcoming in people who need shelter and a break from the cold overnight.
Every year during the colder months, each church in the program takes turns each week to keep its doors open and welcome in people who need a nice warm place to stay.
Rev. Dr. George Edd-Bennett, Senior Pastor of Reno United Methodist Church, says this is a lifesaving program.
"Being cold deteriorates your mental health, your physical health, your will to live, and we believe warming centers can save lives and we're ready to do it," he said.
According to the Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office, last year five homeless men and women died due to weather exposure or hypothermia.
Pastor George says some shelters are experiencing overflow including Nevada Cares Campus, and it's especially difficult for women with children to find shelter.
"Women and children don't have a lot of access to shelters," he said.
However, these warming centers can help protect people from the cold weather, preventing sickness and death.
Pastor George says volunteers are needed, and if you'd like to help you can just reach out to one of the involved churches.
"We have two staff people from Rise running every night with five volunteers,” he said. “So, three to one ratio of people that are helping those clients be safe and warm throughout the night."
The first location serving as a warming center will be St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral every night this week from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Reno First United Methodist Church will be next to host next Tuesday.
