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Batavia Warming Center will open tonight

By Howard B. Owens

With freezing wind chills expected, the Batavia Warming Center will be open for women and children.

Transportation is available by calling (585) 993-6371 by 8:30 p.m. Arrangements will be made to pick up those going to the shelter at either McDonald's in Batavia.

George Richardson

This is the fifth time I have seen this PSA this year. Do they at least have a burn barrel out back for the freezing men to huddle around? Isn't it sex discrimination? Oh yeah, Batavia is a Republican community, you don't have to follow the teachings of Christ you just have to tell everyone you meet what a great, no make excellent, Christian you are. Does the Pope poop in a diaper? Depends.

Feb 19, 2016, 9:14am Permalink
Debra Nanni

I am not attempting to pass judgement here. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but I believe the reason for this is simply the safety of the women and kids. This is a place where people will be in beds and be there overnight hopefully to sleep. In somewhat vulnerable situations. There are no guards or security and it is without charge. And I think the people running this are volunteers. Whether you like to believe it or not, unthinkable things do happen in shelters. This has been a problem in big city shelters and even the makeshift shelters that were in place after the hurricane in Louisiana. You are allowing people that you really don't know and don't have a history on to come in out of the cold and sleep in beds without a lot of security. I am so grateful that we have what we do here. It's helping some, maybe not everyone , but it is a help. I'm not stating that I believe that all homeless men are predators, far from it. I am just saying, circumstances being what they are in these shelters, it is a precaution that makes sense to take.

Feb 19, 2016, 10:14am Permalink
Debra Nanni

I agree Jason! I think that would be a great idea !. I just think there are so many things involved , and I can't give enough credit to the people who are running these shelters. They are helping people who may or may not have been involved in drinking, drugs or just may not get along with others. That's why I think keeping men and women separate is not a bad idea.

Feb 19, 2016, 11:05am Permalink

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