Carbondale Warming Center is a nonprofit organization and emergency shelter that serves homeless people throughout Carbondale, Illinois. Their mission is to provide a nighttime sleeping space on cold nights…for the sake of human dignity, safety, and survival.

They operate with the help of both full- and part-time members to provide guests with a place to sleep and connect them with a variety of other agencies in the area. On this page, you can learn more about Carbondale Warming Center and how you can get involved today!

How the Carbondale Warming Center Began

Carbondale Warming Center came about when a group of concerned citizens united to further address homelessness in Carbondale and the surrounding areas, particularly during the winter months. In 2018, the founding committee built a headquarters and worksite equipped with beds, where they started serving about nine people each night. 

The Impact of Carbondale Warming Center

Between December 2019 and November 2020, Carbondale Warming Center served 312 individuals over 8,628 nights, including 99 women, 211 men, and two non-binary guests. The age range of guests they served varies widely and included:

  • 10 people under the age of 18
  • 77 people between the ages of 18 and 29
  • 141 people between the ages of 20 and 49
  • 75 people between the ages of 50 and 69
  • 8 people 70 years old or older

In addition to providing nightly shelter, Carbondale Warming Center also served 31,924 meals during this period and helped 48 individuals find permanent housing. It doesn't stop there, though!

Today, they usually serve about three to 15 individuals, as well as entire families at times. The Carbondale Warming Center team continually strives to meet the needs of more and more people, expanding their reach year after year.

Community Partnerships & Affiliations

Carbondale Warming Center is comprised of passionate individuals and dedicated community organizations. A few of the affiliated organizations include the  Southern Illinois Coalition for the Homeless, the Carbondale Interfaith Council, the Jackson County Health Department, and many more.

By connecting guests with regional housing, treatment, and workforce resources, Carbondale Warming Center empowers everyone who walks through their doors. The Carbondale Warming Center staff abide by a supportive culture that keeps volunteers coming back. 

More Ways to Spread the Warmth

In addition to volunteering your time, energy, food, and other resources, you can make an impact through a monetary contribution. All donations go towards paying staff members, keeping the lights on, and covering any unexpected expenses that come up along the way.

Support Carbondale Warming Center Today

Whether you want to volunteer your time during the winter months or all year long, reach out to Carbondale Warming Center to find out how you can support this incredible organization.

To stay up to date, be sure to follow them on Facebook!

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Contact

Watermark Ford of Marion

1910 W. Coolidge Ave.
Directions Marion, IL 62959

  • Sales: (618) 993-2161
  • Service: (618) 993-2161
  • Parts: (618) 993-2161

Hours

  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday 8am-6pm
  • Wednesday 8am-6pm
  • Thursday 8am-6pm
  • Friday 8am-6pm
  • Saturday 9am-5pm
  • Sunday Closed