Oak Park is looking for help running its warming center program this winter.
With temperatures beginning to turn, Oak Park’s village government put out a renewed call for volunteers to help run its winter warming center program. In the past, the village has operated warming centers at several locations, which would open up to people experiencing homelessness when temperatures dropped below 20 degrees or when winter weather shut down local public transportation systems.
“This vital resource ensures that individuals facing housing insecurity have a safe, welcoming place during extreme weather,” the village said in a release. “Last winter, with the help of partners and volunteers, the village operated 17 days and nights of warming center services. With preparations underway for the upcoming colder months, the village is seeking compassionate, dependable volunteers to continue this important work.”
The village is seeking “shelter manager” volunteers who will serve as on-site leads to coordinating operations, overseeing guest check-in, supporting health and safety needs and guiding other volunteers.
Shelter managers will also collaborate with the village’s E.C.H.O. social services staffers and with staff at Housing Forward, according to the village. Housing Forward recently opened a new overnight homeless shelter in Oak Park at 112 S. Humphrey Ave.
General warming center volunteers will sign up for shifts assisting with guest support, food and beverage service, cleanliness of the space, set-up and tear-down and the overall center environment, according to the village.
Warming center volunteers will have access to CPR, First Aid and Narcan training, the village said. People can sign-up to volunteer via the village’s new volunteering portal.
The village has not announced its warming center locations for this winter, but last year the village operated overnight warming centers at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 611 Randolph St and at the now-closed St. Catherine – St. Lucy Rectory at 38 N. Austin Blvd.
Earlier this week, NBC 5 Chicago meteorologist Kevin Jeanes said that climate change-driven global weather patterns could bring the region its “coldest, snowiest winter” in recent years.
