Need Rises During Cold Weather Nights at The Salvation Army Shelters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Need Rises During Cold Weather Nights at The Salvation Army Shelters
Severe weather pushes TSA shelters to max capacities
DANE COUNTY – February 21, 2020
The Salvation Army operates Dane County’s only Emergency Family Shelter and Single Women’s Shelter. With the recent extreme temperatures, the need for emergency homeless services has increased, and the shelters are often over-capacity.
On Cold Weather Nights, evenings when the temperatures drop to 20 degrees or below, The Salvation Army does not turn anyone away. Between both shelters, the organization has been averaging 150 people on Cold Weather Nights, though 170 people called for shelter one night earlier this week. In comparison, non-cold weather nights average about 130 people.
With the increased need, shelter staff are seeking donations of underwear (in larger sizes), gloves, and gently used bath towels. “Anything you would find at a hotel, we provide to our clients to make them feel as welcome and as comfortable as possible during a stressful time,” said Melissa Sorensen, Executive Director of Social Services. These toiletries combined with freshly laundered clothes and linens attempt to make the most out of a difficult situation.
Any guardian(s) with child(ren) combination identifying as a family is welcome to the services of the Emergency Family Shelter. Similarly, anyone self-identifying as a single woman (no dependents) is welcome to the services of the Single Women’s Shelter. Anyone unsure of Salvation Army policies is invited to call the shelter hotline at 250-2298. Please only use this number for those experiencing homelessness to ensure we are able to meet the need. Misinformation may deter people who need these programs from coming to seek services.
The need is great, but The Salvation Army is confident that with the compassion of the public, they can continue to meet this need as long as it exists in Dane County, and especially during extreme weather conditions.
For more information visit http://www.salvationarmydanecounty.org/.
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