Warming Center open in Arroyo Grande overnight Thursday

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. – The 5Cities Homeless Coalition said its South County Warming Center in Arroyo Grande will be open on Thursday night for community members to escape the rain.

The center, located at 800 W. Branch St., will accept guests after 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

On Friday morning, the center will close at 7:00 a.m.

From the Warming Center:

"Adults and children seeking a safe place to sleep and find shelter from the storm are invited to utilize the Warming Center. At the center, guests will be provided a safe dry place to sleep and a hot meal. Sleeping cots and bedding are provided as available. Facility cannot accommodate pets."

The center said it has an open door policy, meaning sobriety is not a condition for entry but no drugs or alcohol are permitted on the site.

Guests will not be allowed to re-enter if they choose to leave, and meals and services are only provided for the overnight guests.

Transportation will be available to and from the center, see below for the schedule:

Transportation Pick-Up Schedule Thursday Night:

• Oceano duck pond at 5:15 p.m.
• Ramona Park at 5:25 p.m.
• Fin’s Restaurant at 5:35 p.m.
• St. Anthony’s in Pismo at 5:45 p.m.
• Pismo Outlet bus stop at 5:55 p.m.
• Arrive at South County Regional Center 6:15 p.m.

Transportation Drop-Off Schedule Friday Morning:

• Depart South County Regional Center at 7:00 a.m.
• Pismo Outlet bus stop 
• St. Anthony’s in Pismo
• Fin’s Restaurant 
• Ramona Park 
• Oceano Duck Pond 

The Warming Center said donations and volunteers are also needed, and if you are interested and 18 years or older you can contact Charmain Navarette, Warming Center Lead, at 805-295-1501, charmain.navarette@5chc.org.

The donations needed from the center include:

• Large trash bags
• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate creamer, sugar
• SOFT breakfast bars, cereal
• individually packed juice, crackers, cookies, chips
• Instant Noodle/Cup of Noodles (camping meals as well)
• NEW sweatshirts, sweatpants, socks, and underwear
• Rain gear/ponchos/warm gloves/
• Large backpacks
• Cards (for gas, clothing, and food)

For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/5CitiesHomelessCoalition.