Alpena County extends warming shelter through March 31; shelter leaders ask to use Annex parking

The Alpena County Board voted Jan. 27 to extend the warming shelter at the fairgrounds Merchant's Building through March 31, 2026, after shelter leaders and county staff described operations, capacity and insurance arrangements.

Michelle Bailey, Executive Director of Sunrise Mission, said the shelter is "running at maximum capacity" and told commissioners that guests lack nearby parking. She said the City of Alpena offered some parking across the river and asked the board to allow the shelter to use the Annex Building parking lot overnight so guests could safely access vehicles for work. The request was made during the public-comment period; the transcript does not show formal approval of parking use that day.

County Administrator Jesse Osmer reported shelter use to date as nine men and three women, with Jan. 5 the peak night (five individuals). Osmer said shelter hours were extended on a severe-cold day when the soup kitchen lost heat, and that Judge Lacross and Christina Kihn are preparing an amendment to allow extended hours. Osmer also reported the county had secured insurance for the operation.

On a motion by Commissioner Bill Peterson, supported by Commissioner Dan Ludlow, the board approved extending the warming shelter at the fairgrounds through March 31, 2026. Roll call was unanimous.

Officials said the shelter organizers hope to have a permanent facility operational in late 2026 or early 2027. County staff will bring any proposed amendments on hours, insurance details and parking logistics to future committee meetings for further review.