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Homeless finding warmth during frigid weather

Another night of frigid temperatures means an overflow crowd at the Drop Inn Center.

In the warmth of the shelter, Ron Stewart explains a failed relationship put him on the streets and this facility has been helping him for the past three weeks. He is singing the praises of the Drop Inn Center which provides him with a place to eat and sleep, and a way out of homelessness.

Stewart says, "I'm making friends. I have a support system and I'm looking forward to being in my own place by the beginning of next month."

Stewart is one of 222 people staying at the Drop Inn Center. Executive Director Arlene Nolan says the facility's winter shelters are open from 9 pm until 6 am. Tuesday night there were 113 people there. She says the numbers fluctuate.

"You know we serve close to between our regular shelter and the winter shelter during the cold temperatures, close to 400 people a night," says Nolan.

The winter shelter is actually two locations - upstairs at the Drop Inn Center and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on Race Street.

Ann Thompson has decades of journalism experience in the Greater Cincinnati market and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her reporting.