STEUBENVILLE, Ohio — The Friendship Room has opened as a cooling center to help residents find relief from the high temperatures affecting the Ohio Valley.
The facility is providing an air-conditioned space where visitors can cool down and receive water, sports drinks, popsicles and fresh chilled fruit.
Director Molly McGovern said the organization is especially focused on reaching people who are homeless, living in tents or staying inside abandoned buildings. Staff members are also distributing drinks at street level and reminding residents about the importance of staying hydrated.
McGovern said the heat index reached approximately 103 degrees Wednesday, demonstrating that potentially dangerous summer conditions can continue into September.
Fans and air conditioning are available inside the center, and staff members plan to remain at the Friendship Room throughout the current period of excessive heat.
The organization is accepting donations to help maintain its supply of cooling essentials. Requested items include bottled water, sports drinks, popsicles and fresh fruit.
Additional information is available through the Friendship Room’s Facebook page.
