DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Due to the sudden drop in temperature, which is expected to fall into the 20s overnight for several days, the Salvation Army is opening its Cold Cot Program.
The program adds extra cots to the men’s shelter, providing emergency overnight space for individuals who might otherwise be exposed to life-threatening cold temperatures.
Men can check in starting at 5 p.m., where they are offered a warm supper and a hot shower before settling in for the night. Guests stay overnight and depart after breakfast the following morning.
The Cold Cot Program traditionally opens when temperatures fall below 35 degrees for multiple days, staying operational through the winter and into early spring—often from November through March, and sometimes extending into April, depending on weather.
The Salvation Army says the program does more than provide warmth. Each guest is invited to take part in the Shelter Assistance Program, which helps men address personal challenges and work toward long-term self-sufficiency. Many who enter through Cold Cots go on to receive ongoing support and make significant steps toward stability.
For more details about the Salvation Army’s shelter services or ways to support their mission, visit your local Salvation Army chapter’s website.
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