Due to extreme cold, The Salvation Army of Michigan City will be opening a temporary emergency overnight shelter for adults, beginning Tuesday, January 14.

Unhoused adults in need over overnight shelter are welcome to visit The Salvation Army of Michigan City, 1201 S. Franklin Street. The shelter will be open on nights when the forecasted overnight temperatures are below 32 degrees in Michigan City, operating from 7pm until 7am. Breakfast and a warm dinner will be served.

“The Salvation Army was part of Michigan City’s rotating homeless shelter system for many years, so we are well-prepared to step up and serve our community with this resource at a time when it is needed most,” said Major Becky Simmons of The Salvation Army. “With the support of Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch and the City of Michigan City, we are reopening our shelter – temporarily – to serve as a safety net for those currently trying to survive outside during this extremely cold season.”

According to Simmons, there are people in Michigan City without shelter who are living outside for various reasons, and this emergency shelter is intended for those who are currently dwelling in the streets, she said, not as an alternative to those currently protected by existing shelters. She said it will operate on an “as needed” basis during extremely cold weather.

“Our mission statement includes the line ‘meet human need in His name, without discrimination,’ and we see a true need in offering warmth to the homeless during these cold days and nights,” Simmons said. “We just want to do our part and offer a safety net to the most vulnerable in our city.”

As a former shelter location, The Salvation Army already has supplies needed to immediately open and operate, including cots, bedding, and food. However, Simmons said there will be additional costs to provide staff, as well as two meals per day. Those interested in making monetary or food donations to the shelter can visit donate.salvationarmyindiana.org/michigancity or drop off at 1201 S. Franklin Street, Michigan City. The Salvation Army is also seeking volunteers to help with this program.

More information about this temporary shelter – and other Salvation Army programs – is available by calling (219) 874-6885.