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Carbondale Warming Center Gives Homeless A Place To Stay During Shelter-In-Place Order

Amelia Blakely

For many people, Governor JB Pritzker's stay-at-home order means that to stay safe during the COVID-19, you stay home. But for individuals experiencing homelessness, where can they go to protect their health and others?

In southern Illinois, homeless residents can find a spot at the Carbondale Warming Center. 

Credit Amelia Blakely
Volunteers wait for residents to come eat a thanksgiving dinner donated to the center before it opened for its second year in December on November 21, 2019 in Carbondale, Illinois.

The center has taken on the responsbility to provide a 24-hour shelter for people who have no where else to go during the stay-at-home order.

The Center's legal counsel Brandon Woudenburg said the extended hours are a challenge for the center's budget that is funded through individual and group donations. 

In order for the center to be open until April 30, Woudenburg says it will rely on the generosity of the local community. 

To hear more, listen below. 

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