On the heels of the coldest night of the year, a local church will be opening its doors to the homeless community as a warm place to sleep Monday night.

In coordination with the non-profit Homeless Hands, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, located at 144 N. Fifth St. in Downtown Zanesville, will make its basement available to those in need.

Tammy Clark, president of Homeless Hands, said she is working to spread the word to area ministries of the special accommodation.

“Thank God, so far, everybody survived the night, but tonight is going to be just as bad,” said Clark.

Clark tried getting ahead Sunday’s weather by passing out supplies to anyone she could find on the streets, which is not uncommon for her to do.

“I gave out as many hand-warmers and coats and sleeping bags and gloves … but you know, the thing is, you could bundle up as much as you want with that stuff, but when it’s this cold out it doesn’t do any good,” said Clark.

For those who utilize of the temporary shelter, Clark said Chief Joey Carr of the Roseville Police Department will provide them with a warm meal.

Clark said anyone else wanting to provide food or blankets for sleeping on the basement floor is welcome to donate.