Thursday, Dec.8, meteorologists reported that the nighttime temperature would go down to 24 degrees and that forecast met the threshold to open the Garland Overnight Warming Station, GLOWS.
Transportation was provided from throughout Garland to the warming station, which opened at 5:30 p.m., and walk-ins were welcome. Volunteers welcomed 19 folks who were living in their cars or on the street. They were fed dinner, given a place to sleep and had breakfast the next morning. Those taking advantage of the warming station included two families with four kids in Garland ISD.
Axe Memorial United Methodist Church’s gym was used to house the people in need. Volunteers from churches, charities and service providers offered their time and assistance. Mike Bencheck from the Mathew 25:40 Project, Pat Arrington and Pastor Chuck Hubbard stayed overnight to assist guests.
The GLOWS plan provides for a heated space that houses more than 50 people and their pets. In addition, dinner and breakfast are provided. Rules for behavior in the warming station have also been developed. GLOWS will activate any time the temperature goes below 32 with rain, sleet or snow or when the temperature drops below 26 degrees during dry weather.
Rally points where homeless folks can gather for transportation to the Overnight Warming Station are:
| Springcreek Church | 2660 Belt Line Rd, Garland, TX 75044 |
| Axe Memorial | 1700 W Kingsley Rd, Garland, TX 75041 |
| Good Samaritans | 214 N 12th St, Garland, TX 75040 |
| Matthew 25:40 Project | 2118 Wall St #800, Garland, TX 75041 |
| Day Labor Center | 2007 Saturn Rd, Garland, TX 75041 |
| Camp Gatewood | 4719 Duck Creek Dr, Garland, TX 75043 |
| Berean Baptist Church | 302 N Town E Blvd, Sunnyvale, TX 75182 |
The city of Garland has approximately 150 individuals and 800+ families who are considered homeless. When cold winter weather hits these people may have nowhere to go to escape the cold. There currently are no shelters or facilities to house people when the temperatures become dangerously cold.
A collection of agencies and churches (listed below) have joined together to provide a safe place for the homeless when the weather is dangerously cold.
Berean Baptist Church
Garland Firefighters Club
Garland Opportunity Center
Gloria Dei Church
Good Samaritans of Garland
Habitat for Humanity of Garland
Hearts and Hands
Matthew 25:40 Project
Salvation Army of Garland
Saturn Road Church of Christ
Springcreek Church
Texas Veterans Commission
Texas Baptist Men
For those who would like to help the GLOWS coalition, a list of needed items is below:
Hats
Gloves
Snacks
Blankets
Tarps
Sleeping bags
Hygiene supplies
Cleaning supplies
Financial support is greatly appreciated as well. Call 972-853-1523.