Sioux City hospitals open as warming centers for those in need

Jan. 6—Hospitals in Sioux City, IA, are offering respite from the freezing temperatures for those without a place to stay warm.

By initiating Operation Cold Weather Refuge, Mercy Medical Center opens its cafeteria and south lobby between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. any day the temperature dips below 10 degrees.

The cafeteria is located on the third floor and the south lobby is on the first floor near Mercy's 5th Street entrance.

Operation Cold Weather Refuge is intended to provide relief from the cold to anyone without adequate shelter or those who have an inadequate source of heating in their homes or apartments, said Jim Spencer, director of Mission Services.