With some of the coldest weather of the season in the forecast, the City of Hopkinsville and Salvation Army have announced a partnership which members of the community can join to provide the homeless community an additional warm place to sleep at night.
Major Jose Marquez of Salvation Army and Hopkinsville Mayor Carter Hendricks signed a memorandum of agreement to help provide funding for 15 nights in hopes that the community will match to cover the additional 15 nights, according to a news release.
Officials say when the temperature or wind chill is at or below 15 degrees, a temporary overnight warming station will be offered at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen located at 313 East Seventh Street. The Salvation Army will make the call by 5 p.m. and will notify first responders, public officials and media the Extreme Weather Events will be in effect.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. to allow vulnerable citizens to get out of the elements for the night.
Organizers say the initiative comes after several meetings with homelessness task group of concerned community members and agency leaders. The group developed a plan to develop a low barrier shelter, but the first task was to first remedy the immediate need for an overnight warming station during extreme cold nights.
The Salvation Army will continue to offer the noon day meal and evening shelter services for clients.
It costs about $200 a night to operate the additional shelter. Any member of the community who would like to sponsor a Night of Hope can make a donation payable to Salvation Army at 304 East 7th Street, Hopkinsville, Ky. 42240.