Warming Station availability extended

You don’t have to be homeless to benefit from a warming station. What is a warming station, you might ask? It is a place for people to gather during cold temperatures to warm up with a hot cup of coffee or a bowl of oatmeal or macaroni and cheese. It’s a place where you can receive genuine care and no judgment.

In Washington County, Cynthia Bowsman and Amy Whistler have set up a warming station at the First Christian Church in Salem. “It’s something that has been on my heart for a long time,” Bowsman said. “I knew there was a need.”

She set out to find a place where she and other volunteers could set up a warming station. She approached Minister Sid Dye and the elders at the First Christian Church about using part of the church and they 100% backed up the idea.

People in the church and community help organizations have generously donated blankets, hats, gloves and hygiene products. Also, if clothes are needed, they have access to Kay’s Closet, a ministry that gives out free clothing. If you want to donate to the station, they are in need of back packs, totes for storage, socks, sugar packets and individual coffee creamers.

Dye said the warming station can be ongoing as long as needed. If the temperatures drop below 32 degrees, they will be open. If someone needs assistance and the warming station is closed, Bowsman can be reached at 812-972-5751 or they can call the church office at 812-883-4506.