Seasonal Warming Center
Launched in 2025, the COMPASS Family & Community Services and Community Corrections Association (CCA) Seasonal Warming Center was created to provide a safe, welcoming place for individuals experiencing homelessness or who have nowhere else to escape the cold during the winter months.
During its inaugural season, the Warming Center operated from December 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, providing overnight shelter each evening from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The program was initially established as a cold-weather respite for single men and expanded in early February to also serve single women. Beginning with a capacity of 12 guests, the Warming Center grew to accommodate up to 30 individuals as community needs increased.
Guests received more than a warm place to stay. The Warming Center provided meals, beverages, basic necessities, and opportunities to connect with staff and community resources. The Youngstown City Health District provided evening outreach throughout the week, a COMPASS case manager was available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings to assist with referrals and service connections, and COMPASS Workforce Development staff offered employment resources during weekend evening hours. Dedicated staff from both COMPASS and CCA worked together every night to ensure the center operated safely and effectively.
While the immediate goal is to protect individuals from the dangers of winter weather, the Warming Center also serves as a gateway to housing, behavioral health, employment, and other supportive services that help individuals move toward greater stability. Through this collaborative community effort, we are committed to ensuring that everyone has a safe place to turn during the coldest months of the year.
The success of the Warming Center would not have been possible without the support of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board, whose funding helped launch this important initiative, and the many businesses, organizations, volunteers, and community members whose generous donations and encouragement made a meaningful difference throughout the season.
Below are highlights from our 2025-2026 inaugural season.
If you would like to support the effort, the following items are helpful to have on hand.
Financial Support
- Monetary donations of any amount
Winter Clothing (New or Gently Used)
- Winter coats (all adult sizes)
- Hats
- Gloves and mittens
- Scarves
- Hooded sweatshirts
- Thermal shirts and pants
- Sweatpants
- Warm socks (new only)
- Underwear (new only)
- Boots
Bedding & Comfort
- New twin-size blankets
- Sleeping bags
- Pillows (new only)
Personal Hygiene (New Only)
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Shaving cream
- Feminine hygiene products
- Adult wipes
- Bath wipes
- Lotion
- Lip balm
- Tissues
Food & Beverages
- Individually packaged snacks
- Granola bars
- Crackers
- Peanut butter
- Instant oatmeal
- Cup noodles
- Shelf-stable microwave meals
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
- Bottled water
- Juice boxes
Household & Miscellaneous
- Backpacks
- Reusable water bottles
- Flashlights
- Phone charging cords (Apple USB-C, Lightning, Android)
- Portable power banks
- Cleaning wipes
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
Volunteer Support
- Assemble hygiene kits
- Organize donation drives
- Corporate or civic group sponsorships
Before dropping off donations, please give us a call. Our storage space is limited, and our needs can change throughout the season. Calling ahead helps ensure we can accept your donation and put it to use right away. We truly appreciate the community's incredible generosity. Your support makes this program possible.