2023 Weather Shelter

This Friday and next week the temperature will drop dramatically. Some lows are below zero and the daytime temperature may not reach above 25 degrees. We are preparing to open the Emergency Warming Shelter on Friday 1/12 and every day that next week. We are planning on staying open all day Sunday as the library and other places people may go during the day will not be open. Morrison Reeves Library is also not open due to MLK Day on Monday 1/15. This poses a challenge for those seeking warmth because the high temperature will be around 11 degrees that day.

As we prepare for the pending cold weather please consider those that are without housing or adequate/safe heating sources. The Emergency Warming Shelter has over 30 slots for volunteers needing to be filled requiring around 102 volunteers if they only volunteer one time. Several of our volunteers cover multiple shifts, multiple days which puts a strain on themselves and their families. The community established the Emergency Warming Shelter and I am counting on the community to show up in a major way for those in need.

Please share the attached information throughout your agencies and encourage those in your circle to sign up to volunteer. Post the flyer to let those who need shelter/warmth where to go. It was brought to my attention that Downtown and Depot businesses may want to post the warming shelter flyer in their establishment so that those in need aren’t hanging in their businesses when they could come to the shelter at Oak Park. Also, I am working on getting times and locations for people who need transportation to the shelter. There have been people going to McDonald’s on East Main, Elstro Plaza, and other locations looking for individuals who want transportation to the shelter. If I am contacted, I will also call those who have been transported and try to arrange a ride for those wanting to come in. I have attached our Volunteer Description so that those interested in volunteering may know what is expected of them.

If anyone has questions, is interested in collaborating in serving the people, or would like to sign up to volunteer call or text me at 765-313-9670.

Thank you for your time and consideration.