Union County Opens Cold-Weather Shelter at Lewisburg United Church of Christ

A temporary cold-weather shelter at United Church of Christ, 50 Brookpark Circle in Lewisburg provided overnight refuge for residents without heat or housing following a forecasted winter storm and plunging temperatures. The shelter was stood up to reduce immediate risk to vulnerable residents during frigid nights.

Julie Erway, Union County director of emergency management, coordinated the effort with Pastor Tim Hogan‑Palazzo to arrange the site and logistics. County officials organized the location, basic operations and access procedures to ensure people in need had a place to stay when temperatures dropped. The shelter opened in response to the expected severe cold on January 23, 2026, and operated on an overnight basis to address immediate safety concerns.

The arrangement illustrates how county emergency management and local faith institutions can work together to close short-term gaps in emergency shelter capacity. The church provided space; the county handled emergency coordination. That split of responsibilities reflects longstanding practice in Union County and other small communities where municipal resources are limited and partnerships with congregations expand capacity during acute weather events.

For residents in need, county officials directed them to contact local authorities or outreach providers for information about access and hours. The shelter was intended for people who lacked heat at home or who were unsheltered. The site at 50 Brookpark Circle offered an option distinct from year-round homeless services by focusing on urgent, overnight protection from extreme cold.

Beyond the immediate response, the episode highlights policy questions for local leaders. Emergency managers must balance ad hoc sheltering with the infrastructure and funding needed for sustained outreach, transportation and longer-term housing solutions. Coordination with faith-based partners reduces response time, but it also raises operational questions about staffing, liability, and continuity of services when storms recur. Clear public communication standards are critical so residents know where to turn when forecasts predict hazardous cold.

The shelter opening also underscores civic engagement opportunities for volunteers and service providers. Local outreach organizations and municipal staff provided information and logistical support; further volunteer involvement could expand capacity and link guests to additional services such as warming centers, medical checks and housing referrals.

Union County’s rapid activation of the Lewisburg site addressed an immediate risk to public safety. Residents facing heating loss or homelessness should contact local authorities or outreach providers for current access and hours. County emergency management will likely continue to assess conditions and stand up similar measures as needed while policymakers consider how to build more sustained systems for extreme-weather sheltering.