Warming Center

Last updated on March 6th, 2025 at 02:14 am

Current Operations

We are so grateful for volunteer servants who support this community effort. We open the Warming Center when temperatures are 38 degrees or colder for 4+ hours to provide a safe place for people to escape the cold. We’ll make coffee and provide access to restrooms. Typically, we’ll see between 20 and 30 people in the early morning hours.

Here’s the current line-up:

Date (ID)	Times	Servants
Mar 7 (WC53) B-Shift only Open: 3am	B-Shift (WC53-B) Friday, March 7 3:00am – 6:30am	Men ________ ________ Women ________

Volunteer Servants: When you email or text me, please indicate the shift (e.g., WC05-Pre, WC05-A, etc.) to ensure I know which timeslot you are committing to. I’ve tried to keep the A-Shift and B-Shift as consistent as possible. When we open early, I’ve added a “pre” shift to open the Big Room and allow people to come in out of the cold.

We’re typically at the Mission by 5:30am. When it’s cold, we’ll certainly let people inside!

Please email dave@hopeupstate.org if you are available to serve.

2024-2025 Warming Center Season Stats (in progress)

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Overview

HOPE Missions is blessed to serve as an emergency warming center for anyone needing a safe haven when cold temperatures threaten their safety or during extreme weather. During the winter (November 1st through March 31st), the Cold Weather Advisory Team reviews local hourly weather forecasts at least 48 hours in advance and decides when to open the center. Conditions include temperatures 38 degrees or below for at least four consecutive hours, extreme windchill, snow or icy conditions, etc. Opening times vary based on the forecasted conditions.

We will continue to share love and extend grace to those who need it most. We desire to serve people by helping them move into healthier and more stable places by providing short- and long-term resources and showing the love of Christ to all.

We Need Your Help!

We’re looking for teams of men and women to volunteer to serve during the night, supporting warming center operations. We need adult men and women to cover overnight operations, typically from 9:30 pm to 6:30 am at HOPE Missions, in two shifts: 9:30pm – 2am and 2am – 6:30am.

• First Shift: Typically 9:30 pm – 2:00 am
  • Setup cots, blankets, sheets, etc.
  • Keep track of all guests: cots and the Big Room
  • Assign people to their specific cot
  • Perform 30-minute security checks
  • Make coffee, setup air pots, and condiments
• Second Shift: Typically 2:00 am to 6:30 am
  • Keep track of all guests: cots and the Big Room
  • Perform 30-minute security checks
  • Ensure the coffee service area is clean and stocked
  • Wake-up guests at 6:00 am
  • Secure blankets and sheets per guest (bag and tag)

Please complete the form below (link here) or come and visit any day we’re open!! (Mon-Saturday, except last Saturday of the month from 7:15-10 am.) We will follow up with a phone call to talk with you about getting on the schedule. We’re here to ensure the safety and comfort of those experiencing homelessness or simply to escape the cold.

Please contact Dave (dave@hopeupstate.org) for more information!

Our Volunteer Servant form is located here: https://hopeupstate.org/volunteer-form/