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Warming center reports heavy winter use; organizers plan summer services and facility upgrades
Summary
City staff and volunteers told the Coffeyville City Commission the community-run warming center saw hundreds of meals and dozens of guests this winter and plans expanded classes, substance‑use groups and minor building upgrades — but needs funding for HVAC improvements.
City staff and volunteers reported to the Coffeyville City Commission that the community warming center operated most of the winter, served hundreds of meals and is expanding nonresidential services this summer while seeking funds to upgrade building heating and cooling.
The warming-center update came during the commission—s public‑comment period, when city staff member Alicia Melton introduced center staff and volunteers and asked them to describe activity during the winter months.
Melton and volunteer leaders said December operations included 12 days open with 14 unique guests and roughly 100 meals served. The center was open every day in January, recording 78 guests and about 350 meals. In February the center split its schedule (14 days open, 14 closed) and recorded about 40 guests and roughly 250 meals. For a four‑week period the center operated 24/7, providing beds, three meals a day and access to showers.
Volunteer coordinator Nola Butler, who runs the center—s thrift store, told commissioners the community provided food, cash donations and other support; a Hitching Post merchant established a credit line to accept contributions for the warming center.
Staff and volunteers said they plan to offer wraparound services this summer, including a six‑week personal‑finance course, budget cooking classes (initially twice a month), craft activities and, pending approvals, substance‑use support groups run by Butler. The center also intends to run its annual back‑to‑school shoe distribution in August and Christmas dinner baskets in December.
Organizers described current facility limitations and a modest list of capital needs. They said parts of the building rely on electric space heaters and window air conditioners; installing mini‑split HVAC units for four larger rooms would expand usable space and cost, as discussed on the record, roughly $2,500–$5,000 for the set of units. Volunteers said they have the labor available but need the funds for equipment and asked the city and community to consider help.
Butler gave details about the thrift store, which she said operates Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at an Eldridge Street address provided during public comment; volunteers confirmed the store is a regular community resource for donations and outreach. City staff and commissioners confirmed donation logistics and encouraged residents to contact the center before dropping items off.
Commissioners acknowledged the volunteers and thanked them for their work. No formal city action was taken during the meeting; the report was delivered as public comment and used to inform commissioners about community needs and planned programming.
The warming center—s speakers asked the commission and community to watch for fundraising opportunities to pay utilities and to support small capital projects (HVAC mini‑splits, plumbing and shower installation) that would increase year‑round capacity.
