The Astoria Warming Center began in November 2014 in response to citizens’ concerns that there was no warming center in Astoria to provide a safe, warm place for the homeless population in the city during severe weather. With a City Council member’s leadership, a group of community volunteers organized and began to operate the center during the first winter season in a vacant city-owned building.
The 100% volunteer effort continued for a second season in 2015 after the First United Methodist Church partnered with the center to provide a space for the center in their parish hall during the severe weather season, and allowed the center to install a shower and laundry facility on their premises. Fast forwarding to 2022, the AWC ended our 8th season on March 15th. We reopened for hygiene in June and are offering this every Tuesday and Friday from 1:30-5pm. This is a vital resource for our guests since we are the only place in town currently offering free showers. In addition to bathing guests can also get free clothing and hygiene supplies, or even just sit for a moment and enjoy coffee with our staff and volunteers. We invite anyone to stop in and say hi! |
“Take time daily to reflect on how much you have. It may not be all that you want but remember someone somewhere is dreaming to have what you have.”
― Germany Kent |