Salvation Army working to keep people warm during winter cold

The Salvation Army is working to help those experiencing homelessness survive the winter cold at night and also during the day by providing local warming stations and adding shelter beds.

Its services will be available in Midland and Odessa ahead of an arctic front that will cause temperatures to dip into the 20s on Saturday and the lower teens on Sunday and Monday. Wind chills around 0 degrees are possible.

“Bitter cold wind chills and pipe-bursting temperatures will be possible,” the National Weather Service reported.

At 600 E. Wall St. in Midland, an additional 70 emergency cots are available at the Salvation Army shelter during inclement weather, in addition to the 70 beds available year-round, according to Capt. Robert Coriston.

Its warming station is open anytime temperatures reach 42 degrees or below.

“We will do our best to make sure everyone has a warm, safe place to sleep, and no one is left outside exposed to the freezing winter weather,” Capt. Coriston said. “We currently have 78 people staying in our shelter, including men, women, and families.”

The Salvation Army’s Odessa location, 811 E. 10th St., is also opening as a warming station with sheltering services, offerings of free coats and hot dinners weeknights from 5-6 p.m. The Salvation Army of Odessa is partnering with the Salvation Army of Midland and Jesus House HIS Kitchen/Pantry to help the unhoused.

Coriston added, “As temperatures drop, we recognize the critical need for our services, particularly for our most vulnerable neighbors facing real, life-threatening challenges Because The Salvation Army is embedded in the communities where it serves, teams are already on the ground and can respond immediately when a disaster strikes, or weather suddenly turns.”

Donations are critical to ensuring the Salvation Army can support our neighbors in need.  To make a donation, or for more information about the warming station and inclement weather shelter, call The Salvation Army of Midland at (432) 683-3614, visit www.salvationarmymidland.org or stop by 600 E. Wall St. in Midland. You can similarly contribute at the Odessa location by visiting 811 E. 10th St. or calling (432) 332-0738.