Salem Emergency Overnight Warming Center

03/17/2026

We’re open again tonight, and we have a few simple needs. If you’re able to help, we would be so grateful.

• Men’s hoodies (L & XL)
• Men’s long-sleeved shirts
• Men’s gloves, scarves, stocking hats
• Warm socks
• Blankets
• Men’s belt
• Bottled water
• Jerky / protein snacks
• Medium–large backpack (extra pockets helpful)
• Dog leash and medium harness

Thank you for caring for our neighbors in this way. ❤️
Drop off at Salem Grace United Methodist, 116 E Schwartz.

03/15/2026

❄️ “I was cold and you gave me warmth.”

With the cold snap here, our warming center will be open tonight through Wednesday so people in our community have a warm, safe place to stay.

Several volunteers have stepped up already (thank you!), but we still need help — especially overnight shifts.

Overnight volunteers mostly provide a calm, safe presence while guests rest, and three volunteers serve together so no one is alone.

If you feel led to help — even one shift or half a shift — it would make a real difference.

Sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA5AA2AA4FAC16-62775475-salem #/

Thank you for caring for our neighbors. ❤️

Warming Center Volunteer Sign-Up With colder temperatures returning in the next several days, we will be reopening the community warming center for several nights so our neighbors have a warm, safe place to stay during the cold weather. This ministry only works because of the kindness and generosity...

03/13/2026

Another cold snap is coming and we are preparing to open soon. Here is our online sign-up for Sunday - Wednesday.

🗓 Our goal is to be open:
Sunday (3/15) – Wednesday (3/18)

We are especially looking for volunteers for:
🌙 Overnight shifts
🌅 Early morning cleanup

If you’re able to help with any shift, you can sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4FA5AA2AA4FAC16-62775475-salem

📍 Volunteer Meeting & Training
Saturday at 10:00 AM at Grace UMC
(Not mandatory, but helpful for new volunteers.)

Thank you to everyone who continues to show up for our neighbors during these cold nights. Your kindness truly makes a difference. ❤️

Warming Center Volunteer Sign-Up With colder temperatures returning in the next several days, we will be reopening the community warming center for several nights so our neighbors have a warm, safe place to stay during the cold weather. This ministry only works because of the kindness and generosity...

03/11/2026

❄️ This weather… wow.

Because of the extreme cold, the Warming Shelter will be open tonight.

We are also preparing for the next cold snap and need volunteers!

📍 Volunteer Meeting & Training
Saturday at 10:00 AM
Grace UMC

Our goal is to be open:
Sunday (3/15) – Wednesday (3/18)

💬 Want to help? Send us a DM!
An online volunteer sign-up will be posted after Saturday’s training.

Volunteer Shifts:

🕔 5:00–10:00 PM – Setup, check-in, host
🕕 5:45 PM–12:00 AM – Host, dinner, guest support
🌙 11:45 PM–6:00 AM – Overnight monitoring (2 volunteers awake)
🌅 5:30–9:00 AM – Morning relief, breakfast, check-out

We also need help with:
🍳 Breakfast
🥪 Snacks
🍲 Dinner
🧺 Laundry

Thank you for helping keep our neighbors safe and warm. ❤️

02/28/2026

❄️ We’re Planning to Open This Weekend ❄️

We anticipate opening the overnight Warming Center on Saturday, Sunday, and possibly Monday night as temperatures drop.

Would you consider joining us?

We’re looking for caring volunteers to:
• Serve onsite during a shift
• Stay overnight
• Provide a simple meal
• Help us create a warm, welcoming space

If you feel even a small nudge to help, we’d love to connect. 💛
Sign up using the form below or send us a message for more information.

Onsite Volunteer Shifts:
🕔 5:00–10:00 PM (setup, check-in)
🕕 5:45 PM–12:00 AM (host, dinner, guest interaction)
🌙 11:45 PM–6:00 AM (overnight awake monitoring)
🌅 5:30–9:00 AM (morning relief, breakfast, cleanup)

Please add your name and phone number in an open spot on the form below 👇. If you have questions, message us directly.

It truly takes a community to make this possible. Thank you for being part of the warmth.

02/25/2026

Due to the planned Ameren power outage tonight, the warming center will NOT be open tonight (Thursday, 2/25).

Public Service Announcement: Ameren has advised they will be doing some maintenance on their substation near Salem on Wednesday, February 25th starting at 11 pm. To do this work, they will need to shut power down temporarily. This may effect some Salem residents, including the police department.

The police department has backup generators and are prepared for this. We do not expect any impact on police or 911 services.

However, some residents may notice that they have lost power temporarily and we don't want you to panic. Ameren expects the outage to last no later than 5 am Thursday morning. Please share this information with your friends and family in Salem.

02/25/2026

Location, Hours:
📍 Salem Grace UMC (116 E Schwartz)
🛌 Open from 6pm - 8am
❄️ When temperatures are ~ 40 or below

Needs:
🤝 Volunteers needed 5:00-10:00, 5:45-12:00, 11:30-6, 5:30-9.
🙋 Daily set-up
🌜 Overnight monitor (awake)
🥣 Provide a light dinner or breakfast
🧹 Cleanup, laundry
🙏 Prayer

02/25/2026

❄️ Welcome to the Salem Emergency Overnight Warming Center ❄️

We open during winter weather to provide a safe, warm place to stay overnight.

Our goal is simple: warmth, safety, and dignity for our neighbors when temperatures drop to unsafe levels.

Follow this page for opening announcements, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support.

It takes all of us caring for one another. 💛