City of Carbondale Shares Local Cooling Shelter Information and Heat Safety Tips
Date/Time
Date(s) - 06/30/2026 - 07/31/2026
12:00 am
Categories
With dangerously high temperatures expected across Southern Illinois, the City of Carbondale is encouraging residents to
take precautions during the current heat wave and to utilize available community cooling resources.
A heat wave is generally defined as several consecutive days with temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or when a
Heat Advisory has been issued. Extreme heat can quickly become dangerous, particularly for older adults, young children,
individuals experiencing homelessness, and those with chronic medical conditions. The following locations will serve as
local cooling shelters for residents:
The Carbondale Warming Center will stay open for daily 24 hours services through July. Shelter space is designated to
residing guests. Ice and water will be available to community members. The Carbondale Warming Center is located at
608 E. College Street, Carbondale IL. For more information contact 314-312-2539.
Good Samaritan Ministries will provide 22 cots for overnight cooling shelter needs during periods when a Heat Advisory
is in effect or the heat index exceeds 90 degrees. Overnight stays are available only on nights when extreme heat is
forecasted. Guests may check in at their discretion on qualifying nights. Guests must check out by 8:00 a.m. the following
morning.
Good Samaritan Ministries’ soup kitchen is serving meals indoors for community members: Breakfast: 7:30–8:30 a.m.;
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; and Dinner: 5:30–6:30 p.m. During those times, residents can come indoors to enjoy a
meal. Good Samaritan Ministries is located at 701 S. Marion Street, Carbondale IL. For more information contact 618-
457-5794.
Take Action Today-Carbondale, located at 809 W. Main, is available as a daytime cooling center Monday through Friday
from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Showers and laundry available 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Peer Recovery Specialists are available to
help connect individuals with housing, recovery, and other community resources. The office is closed on the second and
last Monday of each month and may close briefly during the day for staff lunch if necessary. For more information contact
618-438-1618.
The Carbondale Public Library, located at 405 W. Main, serves as a public air-conditioned facility during regular business
hours: Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Friday–Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; and Sunday: 1:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
For more information contact 618-457-0354.
During a heat advisory, the City encourages everyone to:
• Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
• Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and others who may be vulnerable to heat-related illness.
The City of Carbondale appreciates the partnership of local service organizations working together to protect our
community during periods of extreme heat. Updates regarding additional cooling centers and available resources will be
shared through the City’s official communication channels as they become available.
For more information and media requests contact Public Relations Officer, Eva Fisher, at 618-713-0711 or via
email at efisher@carbondaleil.gov.
“Carbondale prides itself on providing its visitors, students, businesses and residents with a unique mix of edge and ease. It’s a
cultural town, yet free of pretense, embracing the great outdoors as readily as urban sophistication. Here, we are open to new
ideas, experiences and cultures, so you are encouraged to both express yourself and be yourself, in all ways. That’s
Carbondale…All Ways Open… for family, fun, business, new ideas and a bright tomorrow.”