UPDATE: Emergency shelter closing down

Third Coast church opened Thursday to help people impacted by natural gas outage.

Volunteers with the American Red Cross prepare Third Coast Community Church, 6069 Blue Star Highway in Laketown Township as an emergency shelter on Thursday, April 10, 2025.

The emergency shelter at Third Coast Community Church, 6069 Blue Star Highway in Laketown Township, is closing at 4 p.m., Friday, April 11, 2025.

“This decision follows the evaluation of available community resources such as hotels, the weather forecast, and a decrease in sheltering needs,” Allegan County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management said in a press release.

The emergency shelter opened at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10, to help residents without heat or other services due to the natural gas outage in the Fennville, Douglas and Saugatuck areas.

“The Allegan County Emergency Management team extends sincere thanks to Third Coast Community Church, the American Red Cross, shelter staff, transportation providers, and our community partners for their support during this event,” the release stated.

For people who need continued assistance, call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS.

For transportation assistance, call Allegan County Transportation: (269) 673-4229 or the Interurban Transit Authority at (269) 857-1418.

A natural gas transmission pipeline was damaged on Wednesday, impacting about 5,200 customers in Allegan County.

Crews from TC Energy are expected to complete pipeline repairs and all gas meters are expected to be turned off by Friday. The next step is restoring home and business service at the meter. Crews from Michigan Gas Utilities will also relight pilot lights on customer natural gas appliances to ensure they are working safely.

For more information, visit https://news.michigangasutilities.com/