The colder weather brings life-threatening conditions for those who don’t have shelter. The Salem Warming Network seeks to limit the harsh weather impacts by providing a place for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability when the temperature reaches 32 degrees through the winter months.
The warming centers are considered a “low-barrier” shelter. The spaces are co-ed and service animals and pets are allowed. The only time someone would be turned away is if the shelter is full– in which case they would be directed to another shelter.
Sites are open from 7 p.m. to 6:45 a.m. and guests can check in or out at anytime throughout the night,. However, once a guest leaves for the night, they are not allowed to return to the same facility.
Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible to volunteer with no prior experience necessary. Volunteer applications can be found at www.arches.volunteerhub.com.
After applying potential volunteers must read the volunteer manual and attend a volunteer training. When training is completed volunteers can sign up for shifts on www.arches.volunteerhub.com with the password they used to send in their application.
Each volunteer will be assigned a role for the shift they choose to work. Shift one is 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., shift two is 10:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. and shift three is 3 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., the centers ask that volunteers come 30 minutes early to their first shift and come prepared to go outside if necessary.
Guests and volunteers can receive free transportation through Cherriots Monday-Saturday after 6 a.m. and before 11 p.m. When boarding a bus ask the driver to take you to the nearest warming center. Warming centers are located at South Salem Friends Church, 1140 Baxter Rd SE, Salem, Capital Park Wesleyan Church, 410 19th St SE, Salem, and Salem First Presbyterian, 770 Chemeketa St NE, Salem.
For questions or more information contact Salem Warming Network at [email protected] or by phone at 503-399-9080.