Salvation Army, local nonprofits provide aid during frigid weather

CHICAGO - As extreme cold grips the Chicagoland area this week, local organizations are stepping up to help those in need of warmth and nourishment.

With temperatures plunging, resources are available throughout the city and suburbs, offering warm places to stay and hot meals for those facing the bitter cold.

What we know:

The Salvation Army Freedom Center, located at 825 North Christiana Avenue in Humboldt Park, is operating around the clock as a warming center while temperatures remain below freezing.

"Our main goal is to try and be a hand up to help those suffering from some of this cold weather," said Andrew Ward, business operations director, The Salvation Army Freedom Center.

The bitter cold can feel isolating for many, but the organization welcomes anyone seeking relief from the frigid temperatures.

"It’s tremendous help for them," added Ward.

For those who need transportation to the 24/7 warming center, a "Shuttle of Hope" can be requested by calling 3-1-1.

"Shuttles of Hope is our crisis response team," Ward said. "They also do wellbeing checks for seniors and for other family members in need, so if you’re having any need, we encourage you to please dial 3-1-1."

The shuttles are based out of the Garfield Center at 10 South Kedzie, which is a city site that is operating as a warming center from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. this week.

It's also one of the sites where meals are delivered by the nonprofit Chi-Care.

"It’s a relationship builder because we serve meals that you and I would enjoy ourselves. And I think that really helps when you’re dealing with a lot of stress of being unhoused," said Faraz Sardharia, secretary, Chi-Care.

The organization is working overtime to distribute hundreds of meals each day this week.

"Chi-Care has been around almost six years now and our biggest strength is our volunteers," Sardharia said. "Tomorrow, we are planning to distribute 500 meals, complements of Islamic Relief USA. They’ve been able to help us. We are working together with the mayor’s office as well as DFSS to get meals to those that are in need all over the City of Chicago including the South and West Side."

Sardharia emphasized the group’s mission is to provide life-saving resources while also fostering meaningful connections.

"Our goal, essentially, is to provide a warm meal and a great conversation with those that are in need, and then hope to provide them with wraparound services from our partners to get them to transition into housing or shelter," Sardharia said.

Chi-Care packs ‘Winter Kits’ for those in need, which include brand-new thermals, coats, socks, gloves, and sleeping bags. To volunteer or donate to the organization, more information can be found HERE.

What you should know:

The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) activates six community centers as warming sites between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. when temperatures fall below 32°F.

• Englewood Community Service Center – 1140 West 79th Street
• Garfield Community Service Center – 10 South Kedzie Avenue
• Martin Luther King Community Service Center – 4314 South Cottage Grove
• North Area Community Service Center – 845 West Wilson Avenue
• South Chicago Community Service Center – 8650 South Commercial Avenue
• Trina Davila Community Service Center – 4312 West North Avenue

Community members should know the signs of hypothermia, including shivering and poor coordination. Meanwhile, signs of frostbite include tingling, numbness, and blistering of the skin.

Officials are also urging caution when heating your home. They say residents should not use an oven or stove as a source of heat due to safety concerns, including the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you have a space heater, the Chicago Fire Department is reminding residents that these should be UL certified and need to be kept at least three feet from anything that can catch on fire.

Landlords are required by the City of Chicago to maintain temperatures of at least 66°F in all units overnight—from 10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., as stated in the Chicago Heat Ordinance. Indoor temperatures are required to be at least 68°F from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. between Sept. 15 and June 1.

Violations can be reported by calling 3-1-1.

What's next:

With dangerously cold temperatures expected throughout the week, warming centers and meal distribution efforts will remain active to support those in need.

To locate a warming center, you’re encouraged to utilize this Interactive Map.

Anyone in need of overnight shelter is encouraged to call 3-1-1 for placement.