Rowan Helping Ministries provided a warm place for 85 men, women and children during the winter storm, said Executive Director Kyna Grubb.

Grubb said that last year, the agency would’ve made emergency accommodations for guests including using metal chairs in a crowded lobby. This year, the new space at the Roberston-Stanback Center allows guests to continue to work on case plans and have educational and entertainment opportunities, Grubb said.

The center provides a place where people who are struggling to find work and affordable housing can find “community and hope for a better future,” she said.

She said about 20 guests were in the snow before 8 a.m. and helped build a snowman. The guests went to Shelter Director Cyndi Honeycutt for some supplies. For the eyes, they used apples. The nose was made from a sweet potato and doughnuts gave the snowman ears.

Someone placed a scarf and hat on the snowman, and another shelter guest had a security badge that was placed on the snowman, named Roman. Roman guarded the parking lot where guests enter from Jeannie’s Kitchen. Even the birds enjoyed the cold weather by snacking on Roman’s doughnut ears.

“Thanks to the community, which made the new shelter possible last spring, homeless individuals and families have a warm place to come in during the day. For a few minutes today, they could enjoy the beauty of a soft winter snow and be children again,” Grubb said.