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MARIETTA – To combat the winter weather, the Washington County Homeless Project drop-in center is extending shelter hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday.

Those weekend hours add to the regular schedule of noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“People can come in and get a shower or a hot meal or anything they need,” said Project Chair Robin Bozian. “During the week we can help them with anything from case management to assistance with getting treatment or applications for housing.”

The drop-in center at 274 Front St. offers a wide range of services, including assistance getting a government-issued ID or help searching for a medical professional. Bozian said if there is someone who needs help, they aren’t going to turn them away.

“We’re doing everything we can to help the community,” said Bozian. “We encourage anyone who needs help to visit us.”

The project is having a fundraiser from 3-7 p.m. today at the Wendy’s on Muskingum Drive. For anyone who purchases an item at Wendy’s, Bozian said 10% of the order goes to the Washington County Homeless Project.

They’re in the process of starting an overnight shelter at the old Berkshire Hathaway office at 315 Third St. The organization signed a contract to purchase the building in 2024.

Bozian said they need money and support for the building and the services it would be providing.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com