Warming Center In Red Bank Offers Warmth, Fellowship For Christmas

RED BANK, NJ — The Christmas weekend will be a little warmer and cozier for men in Red Bank who don't have a permanent home this winter season.

The Warming Center on Shrewsbury Avenue, next to the Pilgrim Baptist Church, will welcome guests Thursday and Friday evening as well on Saturday, Christmas Eve, for dinner and shelter, said volunteer supervisor Teena Lomack.

But even more than that is being shared - there is a sense of community as well, she said.

There will be a Christmas celebration and gifts such as socks and other useful items will be given out. And a doctor and podiatrist will be on hand to screen the men for any health concerns, she said.

A Code Blue was in effect for several days last week, and this week it was in effect until Wednesday morning. But storms are expected on Thursday, although temperatures will rise. But then temperatures later Friday will drop significantly through the weekend, according to forecasts.

"I expect everyone will be here for a while," Lomack said.

The Warming Center is adjacent to Pilgrim Baptist Church at the Pilgrim Baptist Church Annex at 166 Shrewsbury Ave.

During Code Blue periods, when temperatures dip below freezing, other agencies also help.

For example, last week First Baptist Church at 84 Maple Ave. and JBJ Soul Kitchen at 207 Monmouth St. provided meals on two separate days, the Warming Center on another day. But the Warming Center is used as a place to sleep during Code Blue periods..

This weekend, as of Thursday evening, men can go to the Warming Center, Lomack said.

There are 18 beds for men and services to help with laundry, showers and sleeping areas.

Lomack has said that about a third of the men using the Warming Center services are working, but housing is so expensive the men can not afford a permanent place to live. They also need to live near their jobs since they do not have cars. She advises that guests come to the back entrance of the annex to be admitted.

Lomack, a retired state nurse, said Red Bank provides "a circle of care" for people experiencing homelessness that is unique in the county. There is the Lunch Break social services and meal provider on East Bergen Place; the Parker Family Health Center on Shrewsbury Avenue, the churches and the Soul Kitchen. A Jon Bon Jovi foundation also secures donations of clothing and other necessities donated from the public, she said.

The Warming Center phone number is 732-741-5617. There is a hotline at 848-260-9076.