News Summary
O’Neal Street United Methodist Church in Newberry, S.C., has opened as a cooling station amid a severe heat wave. Operating from 12 PM to 5 PM daily, the church provides refuge, hot meals, and resources to residents struggling with high temperatures, electric bills, and homelessness. With increasing heat-related emergencies, the initiative is supported by local officials, including the mayor, who highlights its importance in community welfare. The church also offers services as a warming station in winter, reinforcing its commitment to helping those in need.
Newberry, S.C. – O’Neal Street United Methodist Church has opened its doors as a vital cooling station during an ongoing heat wave, providing relief to residents grappling with extreme temperatures. The church will serve as a cooling center whenever temperatures reach 93 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, offering a much-needed refuge for those lacking air conditioning, struggling with high electric bills, or experiencing homelessness.
The cooling station operates daily from 12 PM to 5 PM, allowing visitors to find respite from the oppressive heat. Community members accessing the station are also provided with hot meals and information on additional resources, including housing assistance, mental health services, and help with various benefits.
The initiative has garnered support from local officials, including a recent visit from the Mayor of Newberry, who expressed his encouragement for the church’s efforts to support the community during these extreme weather conditions. This recognition of community service is echoed in the church’s dual role, which transitions to a warming station in the winter months, offering cots for overnight stays and breakfast to those in need.
Individuals like Tyrone Pratt, who is currently employed at O’Neal Street United Methodist Church, shared personal experiences of how the church previously assisted him and his wife in finding transitional housing. Such stories illustrate the significant impact the church has on individuals in the Newberry area.
As temperatures soar, health officials have reported a concerning increase in heat-related emergency calls. Paramedic Preston Greene from Newberry EMS noted that many residents live without air conditioning, leaving them vulnerable to heat-related health risks. In response to the dangerous temperatures, the Newberry Police Department has initiated a program to distribute fans to seniors, families with young children, and individuals with health issues, further supporting those who may be at a higher risk of heat exposure.
Health experts advise the community to take proactive measures to stay cool and hydrated. Recommendations include drinking plenty of water, consuming electrolyte beverages, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours. These measures can help mitigate the effects of heat stress and dehydration.
Currently, O’Neal Street United Methodist Church is the only designated cooling station in Newberry. However, other agencies across the Midlands are also establishing cooling and misting stations to address the public’s need for relief from the high temperatures. The cooling station at O’Neal Street United Methodist Church has been set to remain open until Tuesday, July 29, 2025, serving as a critical resource for those affected by the extreme heat in the region.
This initiative underscores the importance of community support and resources during periods of extreme weather. Local organizations and agencies are working collaboratively to ensure that all residents have access to safety and essential services as they navigate through these challenging circumstances.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Newberry’s O’Neal Street UMC Opens Cooling Station
- ABC Columbia: Cooling Station Opens in Newberry County
- WACH: Beat the Heat – Where to Find Cooling Stations
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heat Wave
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
