The City of Valparaiso has partnered with a number of community organizations to offer cooling centers to help residents during the upcoming heat wave and reminds the community of the CARE program, which checks on residents who may need extra assistance. “We encourage people to visit these cooling centers and to check on those who may not have functioning air conditioning,” said Mayor Matt Murphy. The following Cooling Centers will be in place for this week and future heat waves:
YMCA
1201 Cumberland Cr.
219-462-4185
Hours: Mon - Fri 5:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sat/Sun 12:30 – 6:00 pm
Banta Senior Center
605 Beech St.
219-462-1301
Hours: Mon – Fri 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sat/Sun Closed
Porter County Public Library, Valparaiso Branch
103 Jefferson St.
219-462-0524
Hours: Mon – Thurs 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Fri 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sun 1:00 – 5:00 pm
In addition, the Valparaiso Police Department offers a special program for individuals who may need special help during weather emergencies, including times when the heat index exceeds 100 degrees for consecutive days. The Contact Assistance Referral (CARE) Program means the VPD will check on residents during harsh weather. To register yourself or a loved one for CARE, contact Sgt. Perry Stone at PStone@valpopd.com or 219-462-2135.