The Salvation Army Ramps Up Outreach Efforts in Wake of Deadly Cold Snap

Jan 28, 2019

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 is an emergency warming center Tuesday, January 29 at 5 p.m. - Saturday, February 2 at 5 p.m. (hours extended)

  • We have an urgent need for volunteers (18 yrs+) to help at our Warming Center at The Freedom Center (825 N. Christiana, Chicago). Volunteers to help staff in 4-hour shifts (please see schedule below, you may volunteer multiple shifts if available). Volunteers will help set-up cots, check people in, get them to the sleeping area, monitor the site, and answer questions. Staff will be available the entire time to assist with questions/issues. To help those most in need during this cold snap, please email METVolunteer@usc.salvationarmy.org or call 773-853-5331.

    • Friday (2/1)
      11AM-3PM
      3-7PM
      7-11PM
      11PM-3AM

    • Saturday (2/2)
      3-7AM
      7-11AM

• 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 centers at 10 S. Kedzie and King Center. We are also providing food and warm beverages for the CTA warming buses.
• 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.

The cold weather is a good opportunity to talk with your family about homelessness and how your family can help. Here is information to guide your conversation.

The Salvation Army outreach efforts such as these are made possible by our donors and partners throughout the Chicagoland area. 

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