Springfield Activates Warming Shelter Amid Frigid Temperatures

Community groups partner to provide shelter, supplies, and volunteers for those in need.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:07pm

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The city of Springfield, Ohio has opened a 24/7 warming shelter at the Salvation Army in response to dangerously low temperatures forecasted all week. The shelter is operating at full capacity with a waitlist, and the city is urgently requesting volunteers and winter clothing donations to support those seeking refuge from the cold.

Why it matters

Providing access to warm shelter and supplies is critical during extreme winter weather to protect vulnerable populations and ensure public safety. Springfield's collaborative community response demonstrates how local governments can work with nonprofits and residents to address pressing needs.

The details

The warming shelter has 48 beds available and has been at full capacity since last Saturday. The city has also activated an emergency overflow with another community partner, Sheltered Inc., to provide additional cots at their women/family and men's shelters. Volunteers are needed for tasks like cleaning, client intake, and food preparation. The shelter is also requesting specific winter donations such as pants, hoodies, socks, gloves, and boots.

  • The warming shelter opened on Saturday, January 25, 2026.
  • The shelter will remain open 24/7 at least through Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Logan Cobbs

Director of community development for the city of Springfield.

Salvation Army

A community organization partnering with the city to host the warming shelter.

Nehemiah Foundation

A local nonprofit group collaborating with the city on the warming shelter response.

Sheltered Inc.

A community partner providing additional emergency overflow shelter space.

Premier Health

A local healthcare provider assisting in directing people to appropriate levels of care.

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What they’re saying

“The weather is not just uncomfortable it's dangerous. So we're asking for community support when it comes to volunteering and also dropping off donations as well.”

— Logan Cobbs, Director of community development for city of Springfield

“Really it's a community response to a true community need.”

— Logan Cobbs, Director of community development for city of Springfield

“If your going to be outside making sure that everything's covered. All the tips, your ears, your nose, those are two really big areas that people kind of forget about.”

— Brittany Jamison, Advanced practice registered nurse with Premier Health

“It is a hard of time the year because some individuals that may not have the warmest homes or a home. It is a hard time for them so we do try as an organization, a facility to try make sure our community outreach is really active all the time, but especially this time of year.”

— Brittany Jamison, Advanced practice registered nurse with Premier Health

What’s next

The city will continue operating the warming shelter through at least Friday, January 31, 2026, and may extend it further depending on weather conditions.

The takeaway

Springfield's collaborative approach to providing emergency shelter and supplies during extreme winter weather demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships to quickly mobilize and support vulnerable community members in times of crisis.