Wichita institutions and agencies are responding to the forecast for bitter cold temperatures over the next few days.
The Wichita Police Department HOT Team (Homeless Outreach Team) has been making contact with homeless people in the community to make sure they can get shelter from the extreme cold temperatures expected over the weekend. United Methodist Open Door has been offering services and the City of Wichita is offering a bus route that homeless people can take to get to the emergency winter shelter near 21st and Grove.
The Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center is offering shelter and services to veterans in the community. Veterans who need assistance can call 316-685-2221, or the toll free number 888-878-6881. The Dole VA serves veterans who live in 59 counties, and it operates community based outpatient clinics in Hutchinson, Dodge City, Hays, Parsons and Salina.
The City of Wichita has offered public libraries, neighborhood resource centers and other city facilities that are open as warming stations.
The Sedgwick County Zoo will be closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday because of the bitter cold temperatures in the forecast.
