Cincinnati honors volunteers and agencies behind nine-day warming shelter activation

Council member Anna Albee presented a resolution Feb. 23 recognizing the City of Cincinnati warming shelter team for managing an emergency activation that sheltered roughly 200 people per day during nine days of extreme cold.

The resolution credited the Cincinnati Recreation Department for activating the OTR Rec Center as a warming shelter, Cincinnati Metro for transport, Le Soups and Our Daily Bread for meals, Kroger for food donations, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health and Generosity 513 for outreach staffing, and volunteers from Xavier University and community partners. Director Deanna White and other city staff joined Albee at the front of the chamber as council read the resolution and called volunteers forward for recognition.

Why this matters: Council members said the activation likely prevented deaths during an unusually cold period and demonstrated cross-sector coordination among city departments, nonprofits and private partners. Vice mayor said the effort was "life-saving" and praised the staff for operating the center nine days straight.

Council members noted specific outcomes and supports. During remarks, Director Deanna White described the scope of the activation and operations, including evening clean-up crews provided by 3CDC and on-the-ground outreach that connected at least one guest to a bus pass and subsequent employment. Rick (first name only), who spoke at the dais on behalf of recreation staff, thanked volunteers who worked nights and helped manage facilities, saying the effort "truly was an opportunity for us to provide a safe place for people to come and be safe." Vice mayor Kearney said: "Without you, a lot of our residents would probably not be alive." The council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.

Council members individually thanked partners and staff. Multiple members singled out the long hours worked by employees, volunteers and community organizations, and noted faith-based partners such as Christ Church Cathedral for hosting city staff when facilities closed. Council member Mark Jeffries and others also highlighted that the activation included coordinated transportation and referrals to shelters and services such as Mary Magdalene House.

The resolution expressed the mayor's and council's appreciation for the core city team that planned the response beginning in March 2024, naming chief of staff Angie Wright, assistant director Dave Harris, assistant fire chief Matt Flagler and Director Deanna White. It also recognized on-the-ground partners and corporate donors who provided meals and supplies.

Council members and staff said the city will continue coordinating with community partners to meet needs during future extreme-weather events. The resolution passed by unanimous roll call vote.

The presentation closed with a group photo and continued public appreciation from council members for volunteers and staff.