Summers in South Carolina are HOT. Occasionally, temperatures reach levels that pose a serious threat to the health of those who don't have a respite from the heat-especially our neighbors experiencing homelessness or living without functioning air conditioning.
O'Neal Street United Methodist Church in Newberry is doing something about that.
Led by Mary Beth Heath (who also heads their Feed Thy Neighbor Kitchen ministry), O'Neal Street UMC activates a Cooling Center ministry whenever the National Weather Service issues an extreme heat advisory.
When a heat advisory is active, the center opens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to offer:
A safe, air-conditioned refuge & restrooms
Cold water and lemonade
A simple meal (ranging from sandwiches to hearty spaghetti)
Cots for resting (prolonged heat makes sleeping at night difficult; a safe daytime nap is vital!)
"What has impressed me most is how simple the ministry is," says Pastor Ed Stallworth. "We are not solving every problem, but we are offering a safe, welcoming place where neighbors can find relief. I hope our experience encourages other churches to consider how their facilities might serve their communities during times of extreme heat."
By operating only during official heat advisories, the church maximizes impact during periods of greatest need while keeping volunteers from burning out over the summer. Because they've run this for several years, a beautiful rhythm has formed with local first responders, city communications, and neighbors helping neighbors get the word out.
Does your church offer a community cooling center during hot weather? Comment down below so we can help spread the word!
(The images pictured are of O'Neal Street's warming center offered during colder weather)
#UMCSC #CoolingCenter
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