The Polk County Warming Centers are closed until November 2019. Temperatures are finally rising after a colder-than-usual Winter, and we knew the day was coming when we would have to say our goodbyes for the season. It was a bittersweet morning. All hands were on deck helping pack and load the trailer as our hosts distributed the donated food set to expire. Guests headed out with their few belongings to figure out next steps.

The 10 guests we had last night were very gracious and appreciative of having the opportunity to stay warm -- even for a short time. Please understand this: This was more than an experiment. It was a life-saving work, and we couldn't have done it without the support of a generous and compassionate Polk County community. As one guest said as she gave me a hug on her way out this morning, "This saved my life."

Thank you for helping make the Warming Centers a reality this Winter. Looking forward to seeing you in the Fall!

If this is the most current blog update, then we are STILL OPEN.

Through Thursday night, February 28th, location is:
Dallas Alliance Church
775 E Ellendale Ave, Dallas, OR 97338

Starting Friday night, March 1st, location is:
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
1486 SW Levens St, Dallas, OR 97338

Another reason to open the Warming Center Sunday through Tuesday... Thank you, Dallas Alliance Church, for hosting your neighbors in need of a night that is safe, dry, and warm.

The Warming Center will be open Monday night (2/18) at Calvary Chapel and again Wednesday (2/20) and Thursday (2/21) nights at Dallas Alliance. Closed Tuesday and Friday.

Normal intake hours are from 7-9 p.m. each night we're open. After hours or to arrange transportation, please call 503-949-4987.

Monday
​Calvary Chapel Dallas
628 SE Jefferson St, Dallas, OR 97338
https://g.co/kgs/3jHbc3

Wednesday / Thursday
​Dallas Alliance Church
775 E Ellendale Ave, Dallas, OR 97338
https://g.co/kgs/tEPqGV

The warming center will remain open through Monday night, February 18th, at the Calvary Chapel Dallas' Annex House, around the corner from the church building (kitty corner from Dairy Queen on SE Academy). Trailer's parked out front. Showers and laundry available.

As usual...

• Intake hours are 7-9 p.m. After hours, call 503-949-4987 for assistance.
• Transportation can be arranged if needed.
• Families and pets welcome.

Below are some stats as of yesterday, 2/14. Thank you for your support of the Polk County Warming Centers!

Calvary Chapel Dallas (628 SE Jefferson Street) will be open the next three nights, February 12-14. Though the temperatures are showing above freezing for much of Polk County, there are areas forecast to dip below, and the windchill and wet make it even more unbearable to stay outside overnight. Unlike some of our host sites, showers and laundry are available. All welcome who need a warm and dry place for the night.

Regular intake hours will be observed from 7-9 p.m. After hours, please call the warming center cell at 503-949-4987 for assistance.

Freezing temperatures are continuing overnight tonight, and then we're anticipating a two-day reprieve before another cold streak. The warming center remains open tonight, February 9th, at Praise Assembly in Monmouth.

Looking ahead, we will be closed Sunday and Monday nights but will likely open again on Tuesday night. Please check back on Monday for the latest.

Stay safe out there!
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We are looking at a week or more of sub-freezing low temps and anticipate keeping the Polk County Warming Center open from Sunday-Sunday, February 3-10, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. each night. For the ease of coordination, the warming center will be back at Praise Assembly in downtown Monmouth. We'll adjust as the forecast changes, but we want to stay ahead of this cold streak as much as we can. As always, you can call the warming center cell at 503-949-4987 for the latest info or to arrange transportation.

Please be praying for our friends in the Midwest -- those without heat and those helping others weather the extreme conditions. Public buses have even been set up as mobile warming centers in places like Chicago: https://weather.com/news/news/2019-01-29-chicago-homeless-population-warming-centers-extreme-cold. Our conditions may not be as extreme, but we don't want anyone suffering from cold exposure if we can do something about it.

Thank you for helping share warmth with our Polk County neighbors!