Durango City Council to Vote on Winter Warming Center Today
UPDATE: The Durango City Council is set to vote today on a crucial proposal to establish an emergency warming center at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parish Hall, aimed at providing shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness during extreme winter conditions. If approved, the center will operate from November 1 to February 28, open nightly from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. whenever temperatures dip to 15 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
This initiative comes as a response to last winter’s harsh conditions, which saw 19 nights where such temperatures were recorded. The Emergency Warming Center Council, comprised of local organizations including the Neighbors in Need Alliance, Manna soup kitchen, and the American Red Cross, proposed this plan following discussions initiated in March. Importantly, the city would incur no additional costs, as operations would be managed by a paid coordinator alongside volunteers, with a capacity limited to 20 individuals per night.
The need for a new location arose after the previous center on U.S. Highway 160 was deemed unsuitable due to fire safety regulations. Community outreach efforts revealed significant support for the warming center, with 156 out of 177 surveyed residents expressing approval. Nonetheless, the Durango School District has voiced concerns regarding the center’s proximity to Park Elementary School, located just 0.3 miles away. District spokeswoman Karla Sluis stated that safety issues must be addressed, citing past incidents involving individuals near the campus.
“The location raises safety concerns,” Sluis emphasized, urging the city to either select an alternative site or devise a detailed safety plan prior to moving forward. As the council’s decision approaches, community members like Lacey Enderle express their support for the warming center, advocating for open communication to alleviate potential safety risks.
“I want it to be there,” Enderle stated, highlighting the importance of providing shelter during the winter months. As the Durango City Council meeting unfolds, residents eagerly await the outcome of this critical vote that could provide much-needed relief to the city’s vulnerable population.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the council’s decision impacts the community.
