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Shelters keep Hoosiers warm as temperatures drop

The Wheeler Mission says they've had close to 1,000 people stay at their facilities during the extreme cold.

INDIANAPOLIS — Right now, warming centers across the region are helping keep Hoosiers warm during this stretch of cold temperatures.

At the Wheeler Mission Center for Woman and Children, they're helping families stay warm. Some of the ways they are prepared to offer warming shelters this winter is having overflow floor mats for which families can sleep.

"It's an amazing facility, go by the rules, you stay warm and fed, and I'm thankful," said Stephanie Wagner, who is staying at the center. She's spent the last two days off the streets, a place Wagner said she would normally be. "On the sidewalk, I'm freezing and trying to keep myself warm."

Wagner comes without a place to call home but is now making the most of her time at the center to get back on her feet.

"If you haven't experienced it, then you can't imagine," Wagner said. "Eat, shower, and I'm thankful."

"It's literally life-and-death to be outside in this type of weather," said Brian Crispin, senior director at Wheeler Mission.

According to Crispin, their shelters are in winter contingency mode and are helping anyone and everyone who may need to keep warm this winter or have a hot meal.

"We've had close to 1,000 people who stayed in all of our facilities. That's our men's shelter, our women's shelter. We also have a shelter in Bloomington," Crispin said. 

Meanwhile, Indy Parks is also helping folks stay warm, with over a dozen shelters across the metro area.

On Sunday, they had to close their Brookside Park location due to power loss and no heat.

In the meantime, Hoosiers like Wagner are just grateful for a place to get back on her feet.

"One second at a time, if that's what it takes. Move forward, head up and smile," Wagner said. 

Wheeler Mission said their winter contingency mode will go through March. They are also in need of food donations. 

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