TEMPLE, Texas — As cold temperatures move into Central Texas, the Salvation Army of Bell County is helping to keep people warm.
The McLane Center of Hope has announced they will open a warming center at their location at 419 West Ave. G in Temple, Texas where those experiencing homelessness can have a "warm, safe place to get out of the cold."
The Salvation Army said they plan for the warming center to be open from the night of Monday, Oct. 30 to the night of Wednesday, Nov. 1. The center will open at 4 p.m. each night and guests will be allowed to stay until 7:30 a.m. the next morning.
The Salvation Army will also provide dinner and breakfast to those who stay. Only service dogs will be allowed in the center and must be kenneled or crated inside the building.
According to the Salvation Army of Bell County, their shelter at the McLane Center of Hope is always open and provides shelter for men, women and children year-round.
“On cold, wet, windy nights here, we make arrangements for our building to be open and available so those in need can come in off the streets and stay warm and safe during the coldest part of the night,” said Capt. Beckham of The Salvation Army in Temple/Bell County. “They don’t need to register to stay and there is no charge for any services at The Salvation Army. We just want those in need to be safe during this cold snap and for them to know that The Salvation Army is here for them.”
The Salvation Army said they will monitor the weather to see if more nights are needed, and said they make plans to accommodate more guests during particularly cold weather.
“It is inevitable that more people will come to us for assistance this week, especially seeking shelter from the cold, wet and windy circumstances,” said Beckham. “We make emergency beds available in our center during inclement weather and will do our best to make sure everyone has a warm place to sleep.”
For more information about the warming center or the Salvation Army, call 254-774-9961, visit https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/bell-county, or stop by the McLane Center of Hope at 419 West Ave. G, Temple, Texas 76503.
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