Organizers of a new overnight warming shelter are seeking more volunteers, flyers from social services, donations, and more residents who could use free lodging and referrals.
The warming shelter opens at Oak Park Pentecostals, 1920 Chester Blvd., at 25 degrees or below.
On a few nights, the shelter closed by 9 p.m. because no one came. However, on Dec. 13, 10 stayed, five of whom were previous guests. On Dec. 12, the shelter drew three men between their late 20s and early 60s.
On a late November night, the shelter drew six guests, including two couples. On the previous night, a man in his 50s came. He reported being new to homelessness and sleeping in his car for two weeks.
Volunteers have provided information about community resources based on the guests’ needs, such as Fresh Start Housing, Natco Community Empowerment Center, Interfaith Apartments, local job opportunities and Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry (HIRE) through Indiana Department of Correction.
Guests receive a free dinner and breakfast and supplies such as food, water, clothing and bedding when available. They also can request transportation to Oak Park if needed.
At least two volunteers are needed for each four-hour shift between 6 p.m.-6 a.m. or to clean up from 6-8 a.m.
Prospective volunteers can request a tour or sign up at https://forms.gle/MLykHiQ5cJm3dYUw6 or call 765-313-9670.
The shelter’s organizers also welcome flyers, pamphlets or business cards offering information about social services that guests can keep.
For more information about donating money or supplies, contact Oak Park at 765-542-6299.
A version of this article appeared in the December 20 2023 print edition of the Western Wayne News.