Tulsa Warming Stations See Rise In Visitors, Taking COVID-19 Precautions

As temperatures begin to fall, the John 3:16 Mission and the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope warming stations in Tulsa are seeing a rise in people who are trying to stay warm. These places are working to keep people warm while limiting the spread of COVID-19.

It is not uncommon for warming stations to see a couple hundred people as colder air continues to arrive in Tulsa. Visitors will find rooms with warm air, and a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at some locations.

Some of the steps the stations are taking to keep everyone safe include temperature checks and other health screenings before allowing anyone inside. There is also an emphasis on physical distancing and frequent sanitation.

Warming stations are open to anyone but are especially important for Tulsa’s homeless population. The stations give them a place to get out of potentially deadly weather.

“Homelessness is a community issue and most of the people that are homeless in Tulsa are Tulsans,” said Rev. Steve Whitaker, John 3:16 Mission. “We need to help them out the best we can.”

The John 3:16 Mission warming station is available 24 hours a day and is located at 506 N. Cheyenne in Downtown Tulsa. The Center of Hope station is located at 102 N. Denver Ave.

“Anybody that is out in the cold elements and just need somewhere to warm up for a few minutes, you want to grab a hot cup of coffee, our door is always open at Center of Hope,” said Sarah Kleinecke, Tulsa Salvation Army.

Both stations are also accepting donations for things like gloves and hats to keep people warm.

For those interested in donating, drop offs are accepted at their locations.

For more information on the John 3:16 Mission Click Here

For more information on the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope Click Here