Last updated on March 19th, 2024 at 05:24 am

Current Operations

Here’s a list of current Warming Center operational needs. Each overnight shift requires two men and two women volunteer servants. The table gives you a quick look at how we’re doing for each shift. The temperature range listed shows the forecasted temperatures from 10 pm through 5 am as the basis for having a Warming Center operation: sustained temperatures below 38 degrees.

#Date
WC48Tuesday, March 19
Open @ 3:00 am
– Evelyn Bradley
– Eleanor Walters
– Nick Glover
– Freddy Chamblee

A few days of cold means we need to open up early until normal operations begin @ 6:30 am.

STATS SO FAR: Nov 1 – Jan 22

This season’s Warming Center Operations began on Nov 1st, 2023. We have provided 1,709 shelter spaces for 213 individuals between Nov 1st and Jan 22nd. Imagine if someone had to pay for hotel rooms OR visits to the Emergency Room. 

  • Warming Center Operations: 35
  • Date range: Nov 1, 2023 through January 22, 2024
  • Average attendance: 51
  • Unique Individuals served: 213
    • 36 came to the Mission for the first time (10 only came once)
    • Youngest: 12 yrs old (with mother)
    • Oldest: 82 yrs old
    • Identify as male: 150
    • Identify as female: 63
  • Total bed spaces: 1,709

HOPE Missions’ Warming Center utilization by age continues to surprise us as we see so many older men and women seeking a warm place to be overnight.


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 always 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 who is in each cot and in 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 who is in each cot and in 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/

Warming Center Rules

This short list of rules is based on showing kindness to each other and is designed to ensure the safety and welfare of all who participate in our efforts.

  1. Be kind
  2. No alcohol, marijuana, or drugs of any kind anywhere on our property
  3. No weapons
  4. Vapes must be stored or on charging stations behind the check-in counter
  5. Men and Women sleep in separate accommodations regardless of marital or personal relationships
  6. No food in the sleeping area
  7. Cots are assigned by staff based on opening time
  8. The sleeping area must be kept clean and quiet
  9. Lights remain on in the hallway
  10. Gates are locked about an hour after we open. If you leave, you may not return
  11. Staff will ask guests to leave the sleeping area at 6:00 am
    • The areas will be clean and tidy by 6:30 am
    • Wait in the “Big Room” until we are ready to serve breakfast

Please cooperate with HOPE Missions staff – we’re in this together!

Last updated on March 19th, 2024 at 05:24 am