Extremely cold weather has caused area rivers to be covered by ice, including this section of the Ohio River near Point Park in Parkersburg. (Photo by Art Smith)

PARKERSBURG — Warming centers across the Mid-Ohio Valley opened or extended hours over the weekend as frigid temperatures and winter weather created dangerous conditions for people without stable housing.

Local shelters and churches reported steady use of overnight and daytime warming spaces, offering hot meals, cots, blankets and basic supplies to keep people safe during the cold snap.

At the Washington County Homeless Project’s day shelter in Marietta, Executive Director Susan Arnold said staff ensured all clients were sheltered over the weekend, even when the facility was temporarily closed.

“When we were closed yesterday, we had all of them in a safe place over the weekend,” she said.

Some individuals were referred to other warming centers in the region, while others were housed in local hotels through community donations, Arnold said. The Homeless Project reopened Monday as a warming shelter, operating from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In Wood County, multiple organizations coordinated around-the-clock coverage. A representative from the Latrobe Street Mission said about 30 people were using the warming center as temperatures dropped.

“We’re open,” the representative said, noting the mission provides food, showers, hygiene supplies, towels and overnight accommodations. Guests are required to leave in the morning but may return in the evening to stay overnight.

The Gathering, a church located at 1005 14th St. in Parkersburg, also saw consistent nightly attendance. Melody Smith of The Gathering said the center served between 30 and 40 people each night.

“We keep hot food and coffee and water available all night, and they have cots that they can sleep in,” Smith said. “We have blankets that we can provide.”

Available warming centers include:

Wood County

* The Gathering, 1005 14th St., Parkersburg, 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. (Hours may extend as needed)

* House to Home, 825 Seventh St., Parkersburg, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Hours may extend as needed)

* Latrobe Street Mission, 1725 Latrobe St., Parkersburg, Open 24/7 (You do not need to be a shelter resident to use the warming center.)

* The Salvation Army of Parkersburg, 534 Fifth St., Parkersburg, Open 24/7 (You do not need to be a shelter resident to use the warming center.)

Washington County

* Washington County Homeless Project (Day Shelter), Marietta, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jackson County

* Calvary United Methodist Church, 205 N. Court St., Ripley, Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m.