Salvation Army opens 24-hour warming shelter in West Humboldt Park amid extreme cold

The Salvation Army Harbor Light facility in West Humboldt Park is operating as a 24-hour warming shelter amid freezing temperatures in Chicago. 

Along with providing shelter, the organization is checking on people who remain outdoors during the cold spell.

What we know:

A mobile outreach team from The Salvation Army delivers hot soup and supplies daily to people on the streets in all areas of Chicago.

These efforts are supported by the kitchen crew at the Harbor Light facility, which prepares three meals a day, totaling around 30,000 meals each month.

The mobile team also connects individuals to shelter or provides transportation to safety when needed. 

"Any families that need help, we have food here as well as a food pantry that we run, so we try and help out as much as we can during this inclement weather. Please come out of the cold, get shelter as best you can, please," said Ward.

Warming shelters are also available at city park districts, libraries, and county courthouses in Skokie, Maywood and Markham.

What they're saying:

Emergency room physician Dr. William Weber of Rush University Medical Center emphasized the risks of cold exposure.

"If you’re bundled up you can get by longer. No one’s designed to undergo these temperatures for long periods of time," said Weber.

He added that hypothermia can sneak up on anyone and that many patients are also seeking care for slip-and-fall injuries due to icy conditions.

Medical experts advise that early signs of frostbite, such as pain in cold hands, should be treated by running warm (not hot) water over the affected area. 

Shivering, dizziness, or confusion are signs that immediate medical help might be necessary.

What's next:

The Salvation Army and other organizations will continue to offer their services as long as extreme cold weather persists. 

Residents are encouraged to make use of warming shelters and seek help if needed.

The Source: Information provided by The Salvation Army and Rush University Medical Center.

Severe WeatherNewsChicago