Crisis Cold Weather Shelters

Every winter, overnight Crisis Cold Weather Shelters open in our community to provide additional emergency shelter beds. During the 2024-2025 winter, Crisis Cold Weather Shelter sites were open 60 nights and provided 12,279 bed nights. These shelters save lives and would not be possible without the dedication of the host sites themselves, countless community volunteers who compassionately give of their time, and other partners like the City of Springfield and City Utilities Transit of Springfield.

To help meet the critical need for volunteers, the Ozarks Alliance to End Homelessness is challenging businesses, churches, civic organizations, and other groups to engage with this initiative by volunteering and/or donating funds, supplies, or space. For more information about these needs contact, OAEH@CPOzarks.org

 

2025-2026 Crisis Cold Weather Shelter Season

Crisis Cold Weather Shelters operate from November 1 through March 31 whenever the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures below 32°F.

The shelter open/closed status is determined daily at 10:00 A.M.
To check the status, individuals can call 417-290-3110 any day after 10:00 A.M. to learn whether shelters will be open that evening.

Shelter Sign-Up Information

When Crisis Cold Weather Shelters are open, individuals may sign up for shelter during business hours at the following locations:

  • O’Reilly Center for Hope
    1518 E. Dale St., Springfield, MO 65803

  • New Day
    809 N. Campbell Ave., Springfield, MO 65802

Sign-up hours: 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Upon sign-up, individuals will receive information about transportation hubs and instructions for accessing their assigned shelter for the evening.

If you are unable to sign up during the listed hours, please call 417-290-3110 for guidance on how to connect with available shelter beds that night.

Information for Partner Organizations

Partners—including law enforcement, healthcare providers, and other professionals serving unhoused individuals—can access up-to-date information about open shelters, bed availability, populations served, and contact details HERE.

Please confirm bed availability directly with each shelter using the public phone numbers provided.

Volunteering

Volunteers are critically needed for a variety of roles with Crisis Cold Weather Shelter sites; not only staying at shelters overnight, but also helping to serve meals, deliver supplies, and transport pets. All volunteers will receive the necessary training.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE!

VOLUNTEER TRAINING VIDEOS

CPO Site-Specific CCWS Training Videos

East Sunshine Church
National Avenue Church
The Fairbanks at Drew Lewis Foundation
The Glow Center
Unity of Springfield

Donating

While overnight volunteers are our most critical need, there are other important ways you can support this important initiative.  I you would like to donate financially, click HERE!  Please leave a note that indicates the donation is for Crisis Cold Weather Shelters in the Notes section.