CULLMAN, Ala. – Amid preparations happening through the county in anticipation of the incoming arctic blast, The Link of Cullman County is partnering with Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster of Cullman County (VOAD) to set up a warming station that will keep residents with less than reliable heating sources warm in the event of a mass power outage. The Link and VOAD are searching for volunteers to help manage the warming station on Monday and Tuesday evenings, Jan. 15-16.
The Link is unable to open the community warming station unless it can find adequate volunteer staff. Volunteers are asked to commit to shifts each night, broken into four- or two-hour increments, with one male and one female volunteer per shift.
“We are happy to open our facility, but we do need help to keep it staffed. When a community faces a disaster or crisis need, we need to have people and groups identified who will volunteer to serve.
Cold weather is a perfect time for our community to respond and begin to work together as a unified group to meet the needs of our neighbors. Unlike natural disasters that require major coordination and resources, a warming station needs space, manpower and light refreshments,” said Executive Director Melissa Betts. “We have so many living among us who don’t have access to adequate heat when the temps drop. I urge our community of helping hands to join together. Let’s offer a small gesture of hospitality to our neighbors in need. We can use these cold weather events to train and work together so that we have experience working together if a larger disaster happens.”
Monday evening into Tuesday volunteer shifts:
6-10 p.m. (a female volunteer is needed for this shift)
2-6 a.m.
6-8 a.m.
Tuesday evening into Wednesday volunteer shifts:
6-10 p.m.
10 p.m.-2 a.m.
2-6 a.m.
6-8 a.m.
Individuals interested in volunteering can contact The Link of Cullman County on Facebook or Melissa Betts at melissabetts@linkingcullman.org. A background check will be performed on interested parties and training will be provided.
The Link is located at 708 Ninth St. SE and can be contacted by phone at 256-775-0028.
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