POWS
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Serving the Homeless in Plano and Collin County
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Pope Francis Meets with the Homeless
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Plano Overnight Warming Station (POWS)
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Collin County Homeless Coalition
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Plano Overnight Warming Station
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Volunteer NOW - Join us this winter
The Peace and Social Justice ministry is needing addition volunteers to help with the Plano Overnight Warming Station.
An overnight warming station (OWS) is a short term emergency housing opening when the temperature or a combination of precipitation, wind and temperature becomes dangerously inclement. The paramount purpose is the prevention of death and injury from exposure to the elements. In recent years the Salvation Army-Plano has served as an OWS site.
Volunteers from faith communities including Seton and other organization are always in demand to help staff the POWS. To effectively provide housing for those who need the warming station, help is needed to assist with transportation and hospitality.
For more information, contact the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Leadership Team Leader, Mike Lieser at mllieser@yahoo.com, 469-693-6058
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Plano experiences 30-35 nights each year when temperatures fall below freezing. POWS provides a safe, secure, overnight sleeping environment to assist those in greatest need.
The Plano Overnight Warming Station is a Colaborative Community Response Endorsed and Supported by the Collin County homeless Coalition and the Salvation Army
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How to Get Involved
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The POWS Leadership Team is reaching out to faith communities and other organizations seeking volunteers to help staff the POWS.
Donations:
The POWS can use items like hats, gloves, socks, underwear, sleeping bags, rain gear and hygiene suppliesClothes Closet:
Volunteers organize and supervise guest shopping experiences on event nights, or help organize donations as they come in during the week.Transportation:
Volunteers transport people between the pickup points and the POWS. Two individuals per vehicle are required with a least one being a licensed driver.
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Hospitality volunteers help to check in individuals and families as they enter the warming station, secure their belongings, serve meals, socialize, and help with any questions.
Hospitality:Showers:
Volunteers coordinate shower registrations and activity on event nights.
Funding:
Financial support is always helpful and greatly appreciated. You can donate at powsdonate.collincares.org or contact the Salvation Army, 972-423-8254
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What is a Warming Station?
An overnight warming station (OWS) is short-term emergency housing that opens when temperatures or a combination of precipitation, wind and temperature become dangerously inclement. The paramount purpose is the prevention of death and injury from exposure to the elements. The Salvation Army of Plano now serves as a warming station.
The Plano Overnight Warming Station (POWS) seeks to:- Provide transportation from selected pickup locations and POWS
- Serve meals, snacks, and provide hospitality in a secure environment
- Provide Support Services to address recurring homeless issues
- Recruit and train faith communities and other volunteers to staff the POWS
The program is planned to operate from November 1 thru March 31 each year.
Do You have Questions?
More information can be obtained at www.pows.collincares.org, 214-988-9434, or email pows@collincares.org
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The following groups are currently participating:
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Arapaho United Methodist Church
Custer Road United Methodist Church
Christ United Methodist Church
City of Plano
Citizens Church
First Baptist Church of Plano
First United Methodist Church of Plano
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Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance
Plano Police Department
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
St. Jude Catholic Church
St. Marck Catholic Church
The Assistance Center of Collin County
The Salvation Army
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What is the CCHC?
The Collin County Homeless Coalition (CCHC) was founded in 2004 and consists of city governments, school districts, faith communities, service organizations, and individuals working together to provide solutions to homelessness in Collin County.
Each year Plano experiences 30-35 nights a year when temperatures fall below freezing. This Plan seeks to bring faith communities and agencies together to provide a safe, secure overnight sleeping environment and assist those in greatest need during these nights.
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