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Cincinnati opened a warming center on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as dangerously cold temperatures and near-zero wind chills affected the region. The Cincinnati warming center operated at the St. Anthony Center in Over-the-Rhine from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering meals, transportation, clothing, and support services. Additional recreation centers served as warming locations across the city, while Metro buses ran on a weekday schedule. The activation aimed to protect residents, especially vulnerable populations, from frostbite and hypothermia during extreme winter conditions.
Cincinnati warming center opened Monday on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as cold gripped the region.
City officials and community partners opened the Cincinnati warming center at St. Anthony Center in Over-the-Rhine early Monday morning.
Temperatures in the area were expected to remain near or below zero with wind chills throughout the day, prompting the activation of the shelter, according to WLWT and local reports.
The center opened its doors at 6 a.m. and planned to remain open until 7 p.m. to give people a safe warm place amid the frigid cold. The activation falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday when many community events are held but harsh weather conditions raised concerns about exposure.
The city’s Recreation Commission also made its regular recreation centers functional as additional warming spots during standard hours, giving residents and visitors more options to escape the cold. Metro transit services ran on their normal weekday schedule for MLK Day, making buses accessible for those needing transportation to warming locations.
Cincinnati warming center activation
The Cincinnati warming center at 1615 Republic Street is operated in coordination with St. Francis Seraph Ministries and the City of Cincinnati. The St. Anthony Center normally provides daily meals and support services and has experience assisting people during cold weather emergencies.
Officials emphasized the importance of additional daytime shelter options because overnight winter shelters are often full during a cold snap and daytime activities — like accessing services and transportation — can be dangerous without a warm indoor space.
Services offered included:
- Protection from frigid winter conditions
- Free breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
- Free bus transportation to and from overnight shelters
- Blankets, hats, and warm clothing items
- On-site support from community mental health partners
- Pet services for unhoused people with animals
City Recreation Centers — including community centers throughout Cincinnati — also functioned as temporary warming areas for people of all ages seeking a warm space.
Dangerous cold weather spurs activation
The decision to open the Cincinnati warming center came as National Weather Service forecasts showed dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills for MLK Day and the days ahead. Meteorologists predicted wind chills hovering around zero or below, with subzero values possible later in the week.
Local weather forecasts warned of conditions that could lead to frostbite and hypothermia with prolonged exposure — risks the warming center aims to mitigate. Cold weather has led cities across Ohio to open warming centers and adjust services during similar cold waves.
Community response and holiday events
While the warming center opened to protect residents from weather hazards, Cincinnati also hosted Martin Luther King Jr. Day events celebrating King’s legacy. Community organizations, including the Cincinnati Young Black Professionals, held the MLK Freedom March with programming that included warming support and free transportation options for participants.
Other MLK Day activities included a blood drive at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center to honor Dr. King’s commitment to service and community care.
Some public services — such as Cincinnati and Hamilton County library branches — were open on MLK Day, providing additional indoor refuge for people needing shelter from the cold.
How to stay safe during extreme cold
Officials reminded residents to stay informed and plan ahead when traveling or spending time outdoors. Some general tips include:
- Dress in layers and cover extremities
- Limit time outdoors during peak cold
- Use shelters and recreation centers as safe warm spaces
- Check transit schedules and service advisories
For help finding shelter or services, the city encouraged residents to dial 211, which connects callers to assistance resources available 24/7.
FAQs
What is the Cincinnati warming center?
The Cincinnati warming center is a temporary indoor space opened by the city and community partners to give people a warm, safe place during extreme cold weather. It offers shelter, warmth, food, and support services.
Where is the warming center located?
The main Cincinnati warming center on MLK Day was at the St. Anthony Center (1615 Republic Street) in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
Who can go to the warming center?
Anyone in need of a warm indoor place — including people experiencing homelessness, residents without heat at home, or anyone exposed to the cold — can use the warming center.
Do I need ID or registration to enter?
No formal ID or pre-registration is usually required for the warming center. Staff may ask basic questions to connect you with services, but everyone seeking warmth is welcome.
