LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Ministerial Association reports that during the first four weeks of operation of its Warming Center, the group has served 52 individuals including one family and five minors.
Through January 15, the highest number of guests on any one night has been 21.
The Warming Center, initially scheduled to open on December 1, delayed its opening to December 18 until it had sufficient funds available. Individuals and businesses stepped up to provide sufficient funding to open the doors and the Center began operation on December 18.
Of the 52 individuals, several spend every night at the Lakeport facility, located in the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Park Way. Others are eventually able to find permanent housing — although the critical shortage of affordable housing in the county makes that a very challenging endeavor. Many arrive cold, hungry, discouraged and out of plans. After a good night’s sleep, a hot shower, a nutritious dinner, and with clean clothes, the way forward, at least temporarily, becomes a little clearer.
The vast majority of guests are long-term Lake County residents, according to LMA representatives.
The most unusual request for housing this season came through the LMA Facebook page:
“I am here with few resources! My five and a half month old Bombay kittens are living in my vehicle with me. Can you house us for a spell?”
Within minutes, staff responded, “we would set up a large crate and welcome the kittens and their owner”. There were only two kittens who, despite the reputation of Bombay cats to cry and meow more than other cats, were extremely well-behaved and quiet. Eventually, they moved north after finding temporary respite at the Warming Center.
The Lake County Ministerial Association is dependent on volunteers that supplement the small staff. Each week night, volunteers are covering check in, intake, dinner preparation and service, showers and laundry, as well as providing carry-out bags for breakfast. Fundraising is on-going to ensure the Center can provide consistent operation through March 31.
The Center is open 5 days a week — Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. and is limited to 24 guests per night, per the terms of a major use permit provided by the county. It is located at the Lakeport Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1111 Park Way, Lakeport.
Donations may be made through Kelseyville United Methodist Church, PO Box 446, Kelseyville, CA 95453. Please write ‘Warming Center’ on the memo line. Volunteer sign ups continue through SignupGenius.com. You can reach staff through email at: LMAWarmingCenter@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/LMAwarmingcenter
