The Salvation Army La Crosse County to introduce new After-Hours Warming Service Plan
December 12, 2019
Contact:
Alex Riley
The Salvation Army of La Crosse County
(608)782-6126 x226
[email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Salvation Army to introduce new After-Hours Warming Service Plan
LA CROSSE – The Salvation Army is changing how they provide services as the temperatures drop in La Crosse with a new strategy plan.
The Salvation Army’s warming service program, utilized during sub-zero temperatures to allow for a safe place to stay warm, is being re-assessed by the Social Services program in the hopes to best serve the needs of those who require their services.
“This year will be different in that we will not take on additional individuals in shelter unless they fit the normal criteria,” says Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army Krista Coey, “However, we will open our intake vestibule and provide them with a place to warm up when the temperature drops below 32 degrees.”
The new warming services will also be changing (details attached in release). From Sunday to Friday, warming services will now only be offered until noon, if the weather is below 32 degrees. Saturday will function normally as it is a day for non-residents to shower and do their laundry if needed, especially if the temperature drops to 32 degrees or colder. If the temperature drops into the 30-minute frost bite zone (-20 degrees and below) or there is a big snowstorm, The Salvation Army will open up the gym all day, any day of the week.
“The goal in doing it this way is to respect the sanctity of the shelter and its residents, maintain regulation over shelter accessibility and not overwhelm our staff, but still care for our community members in keeping individuals warm and dry,” added Coey.
For questions and concerns related to the new warming service plan, community members are urged to call The Salvation Army at (608)782-6126.
The Salvation Army 2020 After Hours Warming Procedure
Light Blue Area: During normal winter temperatures the intake vestibule will be open from 10PM to 7:30 AM for warming services with no access to shelter.
Medium Blue Area (30 Minutes): -20 degrees to -32 degrees the intake vestibule and med locker area will be open from 10PM to 7:30AM for warming services with no access to shelter.
Dark Blue Area (10 Minutes): -32 degrees to -48 degrees the intake vestibule and med locker area will be open from 10PM to 7:30AM for warming services with no access to shelter.
Purple Area (5 Minutes): -48 degrees and below the intake vestibule and med locker area will be open from 10PM to 7:30AM for warming services with access to (up to) 8 male overflow beds, 6 female overflow beds and one small family room overflow space. These will be 24-hour check-ins from 7PM – 7AM.