As temperatures begin to plunge, The Salvation Army is continuing to meet the needs of those in crisis. As policies differ by location, please reach out to your local Salvation Army for more information if you need help. We asked some of our local Salvation Army leaders how they were meeting cold-weather needs in their communities—read their responses below.

TUPELO, MS:

“Our cold-weather policy begins on nights falling below 37°. Overflow cold-weather shelter is open for men, women, and families experiencing homelessness during severe weather. The center is open during the day, as well as the resource HUB with two meals per day and resources to support people getting off the street and accessing needed practical resources. Please direct anyone you see out to 527 Carnation Street.”—Captain Heather Dolby, Tupelo Corps Officer

DECATUR, AL:

“We distributed cold-weather supplies last week to help the homeless and those in crisis to weather the falling temperatures. We provided coats, blankets, sleeping mats, scarves, hats, gloves, shoes, personal care items, and food to those in need while supplies lasted. In addition, we offer a food pantry twice weekly, a community food box give-out, and transitional housing which provides safe, temporary housing for homeless families with children. Our local community continually demonstrates that we are better together. It’s because of their generosity that we can serve the unhoused and those in poverty situations all year round.”—Captain LeAnna Marion, Decatur Corps Officer

Our local community continually demonstrates that we are better together. It’s because of their generosity that we can serve the unhoused and those in poverty situations all year round.”—Captain LeAnna Marion

 

MS GULF COAST:

“Here on the Gulf Coast, we have been operating the cold weather shelter for several weeks and will be open Thursday–Sunday this week.”—Major Jerry Friday, MS Gulf Coast Area Commander

MONROE, LA:

“The Salvation Army of Monroe, Louisiana, will be open 24/7 with our cold-weather shelter operation in full effect until the weather rises above 40° and the rain stops.”—Captain Jerry Casey, Monroe Corps Officer

LAUREL, MS:

“We will open our shelter as usual, and also open a warming station during the daytime when the temps or chill factor are below 35°.”—Major Crystal Pruitt, Laurel Corps Officer

NEW ORLEANS, LA:

“Our cold-weather policy goes into effect when temperatures are 32° or below. Under these circumstances, shelter check-in hours may be extended until 7:00 pm and lunch will be provided if guests remain in the shelter beyond 11:30 am.”—Major Lynda Thornhill, New Orleans Area Commander

PASCAGOULA, MS:

“We will be having a Cold Weather station where we will from 4-5 pm be handing out from our canteen coffee, hot chocolate, soup, and necessities to keep warm (blankets, hats, socks, etc.) for those in need in the Jackson and George County community.”—Lieutenant Carla Lawson, Pascagoula Corps Officer

JACKSON, MS:

“The Salvation Army in Jackson continues to have our doors open to those in need of a safe, warm place to stay. We have added additional shifts to allow our Center of Hope residents to stay indoors during the day.”—Major Bill Shafer, Jackson Corps Officer

SHREVEPORT, LA:

“We are presently serving meals from our mobile canteen and utilizing our cots for a community heating location.”—Captain Tamarique Ellis, Shreveport Corps Officer

WALKER COUNTY, AL:

“The Salvation Army is proud to partner with Jasper Area Family Service Center by supplying food, blankets, and backpacks full of personal hygiene items, food, snacks, water, and blankets to their Warming Station.”—Cynthia Smith, Walker County Service Center Director