Some of the most common questions we receive about the warming shelter are addressed below.
Will the shelter be open tonight/tomorrow?
Whether or not the shelter will be open on a given day is dependent on weather conditions. Generally, the decision is made on a day by day basis. To find out if the shelter will be open on a particular night, please call 573-222-0914 after 9AM.
What criteria determine whether the shelter is open?
Our Warming Center uses a combination of weather factors to decide when to open. The primary temperature-based criteria are:
- 27° or below or
- 32° or below with precipitation
However, we recognize that cold-weather danger isn’t based on temperature alone. We also consider other hazardous conditions, including:
- Excessive cold for our local area
- Low wind chills
- Freezing or frozen precipitation
- Frost or rapidly dropping conditions
We truly do our best to err on the side of caution, but conditions can change throughout the day. Because conditions can change quickly, we rely on up-to-date guidance from local weather stations to make the safest and most informed decision possible.
Please know this: We care deeply. We never want anyone to feel forgotten or left out in the cold. At the same time, we have to follow consistent parameters so we can protect guests, volunteers, and the sustainability of the Warming Center throughout the whole season.
Where is the shelter located?
The shelter is located within Grace United Methodist Church at 521 Caruthers Ave in Cape Girardeau, MO. Please click here for directions.
What are the shelter’s hours?
On days that the shelter is open, current hours are 7PM to 7AM.
Who can stay at the shelter?
Everyone is welcome at our shelter. We are a low-barrier shelter, requiring only minimal paperwork and no formal identification process.
What is your meal train and what does participation require?
Our Meal Train allows individuals and organizations to provide breakfast or dinner on days the warming center is open. For those wishing to participate, please note the following:
- Meals must be prepared off-site.
- Meals should serve approximately 30 people.
- Meal drop-off times are 6:30 PM for dinner and 5:30 for breakfast.
- Meals should be provided in disposable pans unless you remain on-site to wash your dishes and take them with you. We are unable to store dishes.
- Utensils and serving items do not to be provided; they are available at the center.
- Beverages are optional. Coffee, water, tea, and lemonade are available on-site; additional beverages (such as soda) may be brought if desired.
- Catering is also welcome!
Please note that the warming center’s operation is weather-dependent. Signing up for a meal does not guarantee the center will be open. To confirm whether your scheduled meal is needed, please call 573-222-0914 or check updates on our Facebook page after 9:00 a.m. on the day of your scheduled meal (or the morning before for breakfast slots).
If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, please sign-up here. Thank you!
I am interested in volunteering, where can I find more info?
Please review our volunteer handout for a brief overview of what volunteering at the warming shelter entails. If you are ready so sign-up, you may do so here. First time volunteers should arrive 15 minutes early for their shift to allow time for a brief onboarding session with one of our trained shift leads.