"Come in and get warm:" Homeless welcomed to newly-opened warming centers

“Come in and get warm:” Homeless welcomed to newly-opened warming centers

MILWAUKEE -- The Salvation Army is making some big adjustments because of the bitter cold that has blanketed southeast Wisconsin. It opened its worship and community centers as warming centers.

Major Gary Van Hoesen

Major Gary Van Hoesen says the Milwaukee Citadel (near 42nd and Villard) can accommodate hundreds of people trying to get a respite from the cold temperatures.

"We encourage them to come out come in and get warm," said Van Hoesen.

The Salvation Army looks to fill empty chairs with those who are homeless and others who are not in ideal living conditions. The organization is able to offer warmth and a host of other resources in the process.

Salvation Army Milwaukee Citadel

"We might be able to put them in touch with other services if they need furnace repair or something like that. There might be resources where they can make their home suitable to stay in," said Van Hoesen.

Major Tim Meyer reminds us how important it is to spread the word -- and keep an eye out for people as these temperatures fall.

"If you see someone who is wandering, often when it gets cold, people get disoriented. It's very easy to mistake someone maybe for having a drug or alcohol problem when actually they are just dealing with a medical issue or perhaps the extreme cold has gotten them and they don't know what to do," said Meyer.

Salvation Army Milwaukee Citadel

According to the resource Impact 211, there are 174 families on the waiting list for shelters right now. But only 14 of those families are literally homeless. Officials are attempting to provide them with available options.

Once again, the Salvation Army warming centers are available for anyone who needs them. If you see anyone in need, direct them to the locations -- or they can call 211 for helpful options.

Those seeking warmth may use the chapel at the following Salvation Army Worship & Community Centers Monday through Fridays and weekends during center hours:

Milwaukee Citadel
4129 W. Villard
Milwaukee, WI 53209
(414) 463-3300

Milwaukee West
1645 N. 25th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53205
(414) 342-9191

Milwaukee Coldspring Church
2900 W. Coldspring Road
Milwaukee, WI 53221
(414) 213-3444

Oak Creek Centennial
8853 S. Howell Avenue
Oak Creek, WI 53154
(414) 762-3993

Homeless in Milwaukee