Michiana Heating & Air conditioning opening showroom as 24/7 warming center
NILE, Mich. -- A family in Niles recognized a need for a warming center and is now opening up their doors at Michiana Heating & Air Conditioning to anyone who may need shelter next week.
“I was raised in Niles and I just feel like I should give back to the community when I can,”
Steve Gillispie said, President of Michiana heating & Air Conditioning.
The idea came about after they got word of the sub-zero temperatures approaching Michiana and taking a look around at all the space they had available in their soon-to-be finished showroom.
“I thought there was a need as soon as I saw that the wind chills are going to be 40 below and I do believe an emergency shelter was needed because I haven’t heard of another one in the area,” Janet Lassen said, Marketing Director at Michiana Heating & Air.
All will be welcome from Tuesday to Saturday --- no questions asked.
“Anybody is welcome, it’s not just for homeless people,” Lassen said. “There’s a good possibility that the electric might go out and anybody, if your car is stranded, get here, our doors are open, we’ll be open 24 hours.”
The only thing they ask is that you bring your own blankets and personal items. Water, light snacks and coffee will be provided.
“I’m overwhelmed,” Lassen said. “We just all are. It’s been a very long couple of days. I’m not surprised. We got the employees and the family is amazing and we rallied together and pulled it off. And the community, we can’t thank them enough.”
Donations of water, food, toiletries and other basic items have been pouring in to the showroom since they announced the opening of it as a warming center. Anything donated items left after the warming center is closed will be donated to local non-profits.
“The community has been so great to me and to my family that this just feels right,” Gillispie said.
Location:
Michiana Heating & Air Conditioning
2439 S. 11th Street
Niles, Michigan 49120
Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 3:00p.m. to Saturday, February 2, 2019 10:00a.m.
Contact Janet to Donate
Janet Lassen - 574-261-3071