Beginning in November, we hope to re-open an Emergency Warming Center on nights when the weather is forecast to be below 40 degrees or when the chance of rain is 50% or higher.
NEW LOCATION NEEDED!
Help us find a new location beginning in November!
For the last several winters the 5Cities Homeless Coalition, with the help of many volunteers, donors and civic leaders, has operated an emergency warming center on stormy nights; providing a safe and dry place for people without a home to sleep and receive a warm meal.
For the upcoming winter we are in need of a new location that would be available cold and rainy nights from November through March. We have operated the warming center in small spaces and large rooms. While ideally we would like plenty of space, we can work in a smaller space if that’s all that is available. We would like to have access to the space throughout the season (Nov. – March/April) without having to set-up and break down, but again can work around it if need be.
Historically we make the decision to open about 48 hours in advance after looking at the weather forecast in order to give volunteers enough time to plan accordingly. We can be flexible with any space that is made available, and while it is ideal to set up in one location for the entire season, we can work with some restrictions. Multiple bathroom stalls and enough space to spread out 30 – 40 cots is the most ideal. We cook off-site, but if there was space for tables to eat and serve from that would be best. If the space was small, we could breakdown and set up the cots if necessary. We have operated in spaces as small as 30×30 and as large at 150 x 50. If necessary we are able to pay a fee for use of the facility.
If you are aware of any possible location, please contact Janna Nichols, Executive Director – (805) 574-1638.
Plan for Operations:
Should a location be secured, adults seeking shelter from the storm will be provided a safe dry place to sleep, and a hot meal. Guests are asked to not arrive before 5 p.m. and come no later than 8:00 p.m. The center will close by 8:30 a.m. each morning. In addition to hot meals, overnight guests can meet with case managers to discuss their circumstances and connect with community resources. Sleeping cots, and bedding is provided.
Depending on the location selected, we will work to provide transportation to and from the facility.
The Center has an open door policy. Sobriety is not a condition for entry, however no drugs or alcohol are permitted on site. Once at the shelter, guests will not be permitted to re-enter if they choose to leave. Meals and services are provided for overnight guests only.
Notification Options:
Text 5CHC to 444999 to receive automatic text updates to your cell phone for when the Warming Center will open. For updates you may also call our Warming Center hotline at 805-710-4330, or check our facebook page:5CitiesHomelessCoalition.
Text 5CHC to 444999 to receive automatic text updates to your cell phone for when the Warming Center will open. For updates you may also call our Warming Center hotline at 805-710-4330, or check our facebook page:5CitiesHomelessCoalition.
We will have information cards available to let potential guests know about the Warming Center and circumstances under which it will open. If you would like a supply of these cards to hand out, please call our office at (805) 574-1638.
Donations: At this time, 5CHC is unable to take donations of clothing or bedding due to storage limitations. Should a location be secured, we will update our website with a list of items that are needed. If you would like to be notified of donation needs, please email Moisses Rodriguez, and we will ensure you are notified once we secure a location and can begin accepting donations..
If you would like to volunteer: We will be posting volunteer needs in October for the warming center, assuming we are able to secure a location. If you would like to be notified of volunteer or donations needs, please email Moisses Rodriguez, and we will ensure you are notified once we secure a location and can begin recruitment.
Employment: 5Cities Homeless Coalition will begin hiring for overnight Warming Center monitors in October. If you have interest in joining the 5CHC staff to help with this effort, please email info@5chc.org, or call (805) 574-1638.
