Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester Community Warming Center has been moved.

Olmsted County and Catholic Charities of Southern Minnesota today announced the facility has been relocated to the Mayo Civic Center in order to allow for safe social distancing among the homeless people seeking shelter. The warming center facility along 4th Street Southeast just south of the Government Center is now closed.

A news release says half of the Mayo Civic Center Exhibition Hall will be used for the new temporary days center from 8 AM through 8 PM. The other half of the menu will be used for the warming center from 8 PM until 8 AM. The arrangement is expected to continue through the duration of the COVID 19 outbreak.

“We are grateful for this temporary relocation because this new space gives us the ability to provide shelter to all homeless who need protection during this emergency,” said RCWC Night Manager and Communications Coordinator Cathy Hunsaker. “We now have capacity for 45 adults to sleep in beds at the new location and additional capacity for more to sleep on cots or mats. The Exhibition Hall is also large enough that we can ensure all sleeping spaces are at least six feet apart, so we are abiding by the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.”

If community members believe they have a need for county services to help meet their basic needs during this time, please contact the COVID-19 Essential Services Resources & Referral Line at 507-328-6150 or email COVIDEssentialServices@co.olmsted.mn.us.

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