Local church to serve as warming station, shelter during winter storm/frigid weather

Tahlequah Police Chief Nate King announced that the First United Methodist Church Activity Building will serve as a warming station/shelter ahead of the area's winter weather.

Pastor Shana Dry said it possible to open the building during the frigid weather because of the community of Tahlequah.

“We are going start tomorrow night, Friday, Jan. 12 at 5:30 p.m. The doors will be open for anyone who needs a place shelter in from the weather, from the storms, from the cold. We are going to be here,” Dry said.

The Activity Building, located at 300 W. Delaware St., will be open 24 hours a day until 9 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17.  

“We’ll have some good, homemade soup and sandwiches ready to be served to you, and there’ll be a cot for you to lay your head on and to sleep, and [you’ll] be resting,” she said. “We want to make sure you are warm, and you are safe.”

Dry added that the warming station is a “judge-free zone” and there will be no warrant checks from law enforcement.

“There will be no warrants checked. There will be police presence here to help keep the peace but there will be no warrants checked,” King said. “We are here to protect people for this time and so please come, take advantage what the First United Methodist Church has put together and what our community has come together to provide for those in need in Tahlequah.”

Several volunteers have already signed up and Dry said there’s room for more who are interested in volunteering.

“We ask for four volunteers for every four hours and just help assist with if you need a cup of coffee, you need a drink of water, or you need to go to the bathroom. We’ve got bathrooms available, and we even have showers available,” Dry said.

The doors to the Activity Building lock every night at 10:30 p.m. Dry said if someone is in need to get inside after that time, they can do so.

“If anyone needs a ride, call 918-456-8801 -- the Tahlequah Police Department. We will pick you up and bring you here if you need a ride,” King said.

For more information, Dry can be reached by phone at 918-822-1913.