Homeless Outreach Efforts Increase in Wake of Deadly Cold Snap in Chicago
As the cold weather turns deadly, The Salvation Army is ramping up its outreach efforts to those who are most vulnerable.
- The mobile feeding and homeless outreach units make up to 31 stops throughout the City of Chicago every day providing hearty bowls of soup and a beverage, and offering services to those living on the streets. We have added additional visits to homeless encampments throughout the City starting at 7 p.m., offering to take individuals to substance abuse treatment centers, shelters or even The Salvation Army Freedom Center’s lobby where they can get coffee/tea, snacks and stay warm. Those choosing to stay will receive additional food and cold weather gear.
- The Freedom Center will be an emergency warming center Tuesday, January 29 at 5 p.m. - Friday, February 1 at 7 a.m.
- The Salvation Army has partnered with the City of Chicago to perform well-being checks for those calling 311 requesting assistance. Our case workers will make home visits and can transport people to warming centers, shelters or medical facilities, depending on the situation.
- The Salvation Army is providing meal service for the City of Chicago’s emergency warming center at 10 S. Kedzie. We are providing an average of 360 per day (120 per meal service).
- The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services is supplying pallets of materials and food for the City of Chicago’s emergency shelters and warming centers.
- Salvation Army corps community centers can serve as unofficial warming centers during business hours. Families and individuals are encouraged to visit our centers to stay warm and learn about our programs and services. Visit the website for a listing of locations.
Salvation Army outreach efforts such as these are made possible by our donors and partners throughout the Chicagoland area.