In preparation of the extreme cold expected to impact Indianola and much of Iowa, the City of Indianola, alongside numerous community partners and organizations, will open a warming shelter to displaced individuals and residents in need starting at 6 p.m. tonight, Thursday, January 22, through 10 a.m. Monday, January 26.
The warming shelter will be at WeLIFT Job Search Center/Trinity United Presbyterian Church, located at 106 E 2nd Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125. This location will provide a safe place to rest and stay warm during dangerously cold conditions. Individuals seeking shelter should enter through WeLift Job Search Center’s main door, located on the southeast side of the building. On-site registration is required.
Cots, food, water and other essential items will be available. Resources are limited and are being provided through the generosity and support of the community partners and organizations involved in this collaborative effort. Additional updates and plans may be shared, as needed, to the evolving weather conditions and community needs. Follow the City of Indianola on social media and online at www.indianolaiowa.gov/winter for updates.
The National Weather Service issued an Extreme Cold Warning in effect from midnight until noon Friday, January 23. An Extreme Cold Watch is then effective from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. Wind chills could drop as low as 40 below zero, creating life-threatening conditions. Frostbite to exposed skin can occur in as little as 10 minutes.
Indianola residents are encouraged to utilize the following resources during these extreme cold conditions. This is not a comprehensive list and is not intended to represent all organizations or services available.
CITY OF INDIANOLA WARMING STATIONS:
Indianola Activity Center
Address: 2204 W 2nd Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125 | Business Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m; Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Indianola City Hall
Address: 110 N 1st Street, Indianola, IA 50125 | Business Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Indianola Public Library
Address: 207 N B Street, Indianola, IA 50125 | Business Hours: Monday-Thursday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday: Closed
LOCAL COMMUNITY PARTNERS & RESOURCES:
WeLIFT Job Search Center
Address: 106 E 2nd Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125 | Phone: 515-962-5017 | Website: www.weliftjobsearchcenter.org
Trinity United Presbyterian Church
Address: 200 S Howard St, Indianola, IA 50125 | Phone: 515-961-6231 | Website: www.trinityupc.org
Heal House of Iowa
Address: 906 South Jefferson Way, Indianola, IA 50125 | Phone: 515-962-5940 | Website: www.healhouseofiowa.org
Lighthouse Community Center
Address: 109 West Boston Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125 | Phone: 515-333-2458 | Website: www.lighthouseia.org
Indianola Freedom Fellowship Church
Address: 2604 North Jefferson Way, Indianola, IA 50125 | Phone: 515-961-5755 | Website: www.indianolaffc.org
Polk County residents are encouraged to visit the Polk County Emergency Management website for a comprehensive list of resources and services available: www.polkcountyiowa.gov/emergency-management/our-plans/extreme-temperature-and-sheltering-resources.
The City of Indianola extends its sincere thanks to the Indianola Fire Department, Indianola Police Department, Warren County Board of Supervisors, Warren County Emergency Management, WeLIFT Job Search Center, Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Heal House of Iowa, Lighthouse Community Center, Indianola Freedom Fellowship Church, Simpson College Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, Indianola Community School District and all who are working together to help keep residents safe and warm during this extreme weather event.