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Transitions Inclement Weather Center in need of volunteers

The center, equipped with beds, showers, and heat can house up to 240 people.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Transitions runs an Inclement Weather Center from November 1 to March 31. 

The center, equipped with beds, showers, and heat can house up to 240 people. 

When the temperature is supposed to drop to 40 degrees or below, the center opens for those in need. 

Craig Currey, President and CEO of Transitions says the shelter has never reached capacity, and staff is always ready to help those who need it. 

"It's a real danger, so getting people in and out of the cold is important. It's why we encourage folks who on't have a place to stay at night to come here to get out of the cold, to get out of the elements so they don't become a statistic," said Currey.  

At the center, clients are fed dinner, given a bed, and fed breakfast the next day. 

The center is always looking for volunteers to help greet guests. 

Ebonee Gadson, Transition's volunteer coordinator, believes the hands on volunteer experience is a special personal touch. 

"Interaction overall is always great so as you can imagine if you're someone who is coming with the need to have any sort of temporary housing, having that smiling face just to greet you when you come in," said Gadson. "I would say it's special knowing that you're serving a population that otherwise aren't really thought of in your day to day. So naturally when you have a home to go to, you're not concerned with the elements outside, but there's a group of people who they don't have that same opportunity." 

Those in need of housing on nights that are 40 degrees or below can be picked up from the Transit Center on the corner of Laurel and Sumter Street from 5:45-7 p.m. They will be dropped off the next morning. 

Clients are encouraged to seek help from Transitions, which is next to the Transit Center

If you would like to volunteer you can call 803-708-4861, visit Transitions Homeless Center's Facebook page, or search for "inclement weather center" on Eventbrite

Their Facebook is updated daily if they need volunteers for colder nights. 

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