COLUMBUS, Ohio — A west side nonprofit that sheltered more than 170 people last winter will not reopen as an overnight warming center this season. Former guests and the nonprofit’s founder say the loss leaves vulnerable residents at greater risk as temperatures drop.

MY Project USA, on Sullivant Avenue, ran one of the city’s warming centers last winter after being selected by the Community Shelter Board. The organization's founder and executive director, Zerqa Abid, said hosting the center was transformative for families and staff.

“I think it was a blessing for us to have a warming center here,” Abid told 10TV. “Having this big space and seeing the neighbors on the street all the time, we felt really guilty.”

She said the center provided stability and support that helped some guests se

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