Dec. 2, 2024
BY JOHN BAILEY
Last year, nearly 100,000 individuals in North Carolina requested help with housing/shelter from NC 211- https://nc211.org/.
During the months with extreme temperature ranges those needs become even more crucial which is why local organizations work together to help make sure there is some place for those in need to go.
“I think the impact of the warming stations is pretty profound,” Director of Strong Life Ministries in Conover John Hays said. “It may not seem like a big deal to many people but for the homeless community it is an incredible need.
“Unfortunately, for many organizations, meeting this need comes at a great cost. A sacrifice of man hours and finances are needed to staff longer hours, extra days or evenings when organizations may not usually be running.”
Regardless, Hays said that non-profits in Catawba County will continue to work together to help those in need with all the resources they have to offer.
See links below if you'd like to help.
2024 Warming Stations as of Nov. 29
NIGHT SHELTERS
THE SALVATION ARMY OF GREATER HICKORY
The Salvation Army will be operating their White Flag nights like previous years.
In weather 35 degrees or below, it will allow those on the outside to come into the Shelter of Hope at 7 p.m. (after staff is able to turn the Dining Room around for them to go in there). The shelter will take anyone in, as long as they have not been banned for physical violence and/or on the sexual predator list. This is on a night-by-night basis.
If they are wanting to eat, they may come in at regular dinner time at 5 p.m. but must leave and then return at 7 p.m.
For information call - 828-322-8061.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NEWTON (300 N Main Ave, Newton, NC 28658)
Room in the Inn Emergency Shelter will open Dec. 1, Dec. 2, Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.
The Fellowship Hall, accessed on N. Ashe Ave, will open at 6 p.m. on nights Room In the Inn is operational. Coffee and snacks will be available when doors open. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Lights out at 11 p.m. Breakfast will be served at 7 a.m. and guests will be asked to head out by 8:30 a.m. If the shelter will be open the following night, belongings may be left in the Fellowship Hall.
Volunteers Needed: visit https://firstnewton.org/room-in-the-inn to sign up to help at Room in the Inn.
DAY SHELTERS
SAFE HARBOR – HICKORY - https://safeharbornc.org/
Safe Harbor is open M, T, W, and F 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Th 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Any lady or lady with children experiencing homeless is welcome to come for a warm place, something to eat, laundry and service navigation.
STRONG LIFE MINISTRIES – Conover - https://www.stronglifenc.org/
Strong Life will start opening as a daytime warming station starting the first Saturday in December as it is just Monday through Friday during non-winter months.
• 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday
Strong Life is also available any night for white flag under conditions but will function as a secondary plan in case there is an overflow or an issue with the Salvation Army having a hard time doing it.