BUCYRUS — The local organization, BORN (Bucyrus Outreach and Restoration Network), assists the area’s homeless throughout the year and this weekend is no exception.

The group has established warming centers at the Bucyrus Fire Department and Bucyrus Public Library with hours and addresses listed below.

“Public warming centers are heated public facilities where any resident can go to during periods of extreme cold temperatures to stay warm and safe. Two facilities have been designated as an area ‘warming center’ for those who need temporary relief from the cold,” said Eliza Cole, director of operations for BORN.

“We are also collecting blankets, hats, gloves, non-perishable food items, water, towels, wash clothes as well as hygiene products to distribute as needed.”

BORN, located at 222 E. Rensselaer St., Bucyrus, has housed more than 15 families in the last seven days.

“Please help us, help others,” Cole said.

As we continue to move into the winter season, bitter cold temperatures will become more prevalent. BORN urges all citizens to take steps to prepare themselves for extreme cold temperatures. Some of those precautions include:

  • Maintain awareness of local warming centers
  • Dress appropriately for winter weather and recognize the symptoms of hypothermia
  • Gather emergency supplies for home and/or work
  • Prepare a winter go kit for your automobile

Public Warming Centers:

Bucyrus Fire Department, 223 E. Mansfield St., Bucyrus, Ohio: Open 24 hours- every day

Bucyrus Public Library, 200 E. Mansfield St., Bucyrus 9 a.m. through 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. through 6 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. through 2 p.m., Saturday, Closed on Sunday.

Anyone needing emergency shelter assistance outside of these hours, please contact the Crawford County Sheriff Office at 419-562-7906 or the Bucyrus City Police Department at 419-562-1006.

For more information, contact BORN at 419- 557-4550.