Warming Center Open, Volunteers Needed

Observer Reports

With record cold temperatures continuing, a warming centers is open in Anderson County until things warm up.

Hope Missions of the Upstate, 213 South Towers St., is the county’s regular warming center, opening anytime the temperatures drop below 38 degrees for more than four hours in a day, will be open and as winter approaches, the community can help.

Volunteers are needed to help with this effort. Contact Dave Phillips at dave@hopeupstate.org if you can help.

Teams of men and women are needed to volunteer to serve during the night, supporting warming center operations. These hours are typically from 9:30 p.m.- 6:30 a.m. with two shifts: 9:30 p.m.–2 a.m. and 2–6:30 a.m.

Here are the standard duties for volunteers:

First Shift: Typically 9:30 p.m.–2:00 a.m.

Setup cots, blankets, sheets, etc.

Keep track of all guests: cots and the Big Room

Assign people to their specific cot

Perform 30-minute security checks

Make coffee, setup air pots, and condiments

Second Shift: Typically 2:00-6:30 a.m.

Keep track of all guests: cots and the Big Room

Perform 30-minute security checks

Ensure the coffee service area is clean and stocked

Wake-up guests at 6:00 a.m.

Secure blankets and sheets per guest (bag and tag)

Please complete this form (link here) or come and visit Hope Missions (Mon-Saturday, except last Saturday of the month from 7:15-10 a.m.) The ministry will follow up with a phone call.

The rules in place for the warming center are:

1. Be kind

2. No alcohol, marijuana, or drugs of any kind anywhere on our property

3. No weapons

4. Vapes must be stored or on charging stations behind the check-in counter

5. Men and Women sleep in separate accommodations regardless of marital or personal relationships

6. No food in the sleeping area

7. Cots are assigned by staff based on opening time

8. The sleeping area must be kept clean and quiet

9. Lights remain on in the hallway

10. Gates are locked after we open. If you leave, you may not return until the next day.

11. Courtyard door is locked at midnight. If you exit this door, you may not return until the next day.

12. Staff will ask guests to leave the sleeping area at 6:00 a.m.

The areas will be clean and tidy by 6:30 a.m. Wait in the “Big Room” until we are ready to serve breakfast

“We’re here to ensure the safety and comfort of those experiencing homelessness or simply to escape the cold,” said Phillips.