Cold weather and the homeless

Winter isn’t over yet, and with extremely cold wind chills today, and temperatures dipping to the single digits tonight, the safety of people who don’t have a home becomes a priority. There are several places to get out of the cold and even get a warm meal in Joplin thanks to some great organizations.

The Joplin Salvation Army has their doors open from 9 to 4 to get out of the cold and they serve lunch each day at 1200 (1130 if you have kids). Major Beckie Stearns, SA Commander, said they also serve hot breakfast each morning at 8am. Major Beckie said the only reason they are able to keep the doors open and supply the meals is because they collected enough donations to meet this year’s budget goals thanks to the giving hearts of the community.

At Watered Garden Ministries Outreach Center Director Doug Gamble said that once the “feels-like” temperature is below 20 degrees, they open their warming center as well and they are open all day and night for anyone in need. Doug says they can expect upwards of 50 people tonight who otherwise would be sleeping in the dangerously cold streets.

Other locations are also open during severe weather including Souls Harbor and Joplin City Hall