SALVATION ARMY TO OPEN AS OVERNIGHT WARMING CENTER JANUARY 5, 6

January 5, 2108 – With near-zero temperatures forecast for tonight and tomorrow night before the cold spell finally breaks Sunday, the City of Charleston, Salvation Army and other local service providers are teaming up to open an overnight warming center both nights at the Salvation Army’s west side location (301 Tennessee Avenue). The center will be open from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. overnight tonight (Friday to Saturday) and tomorrow night (Saturday to Sunday) to accommodate people in need of shelter from the cold.

“I am grateful to the leadership of the Salvation Army for stepping up to provide space for this overnight warming center and to several local agencies that are assisting in providing the staff and volunteer support needed to provide a warm and safe environment,” said Charleston Mayor Danny Jones. “I have directed that a Charleston police officer and paramedic will be there as well to meet any needs and help make it a safe place to be out of the bitter cold.”

Leaders of the Salvation Army, United Way of Central West Virginia, Kanawha Valley Collective, Prestera Center, YWCA/Sojourners Shelter, Roark Sullivan Lifeway Center and City of Charleston met today to make arrangements for the warming station. Concerned citizens who want to help staff the warming centers can volunteer by contacting the United Way President Margaret O’Neal, who is coordinating volunteers for the effort: 304-340-3503 or moneal@unitedwaycwv.org.

The City’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Center served as an overnight warming station last night and remains open until 9 p.m. tonight, just like the other city recreation centers in North Charleston and Kanawha City. Those city-operated centers will also be open tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drugs and alcohol are prohibited in the Salvation Army building and City of Charleston recreation centers.