BELLEVILLE — People interested in volunteering at the new Emergency Weather Overnight Center in Belleville can tour the McCormick Center and learn about the program during a Volunteer Recruitment Fair from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at 301 S. First St.
The center will provide shelter for people who do not have a place to stay when the temperature falls to 20 degrees or below.
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Volunteers will learn what will be expected of them when people in need arrive after being screened and transported from the Salvation Army in Belleville. A hired guard will be stationed in the building.
“We’ve taken into consideration the safety of the center’s neighbors, the volunteers, and the people who need a place to stay the night,” said Kara Moore, chairwoman of the Emergency Overnight Weather Center. “We’ve submitted our procedures to city officials, including the police, who have given their input and approval.”
The Belleville City Council approved the opening of the emergency center in August. The McCormick Center is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Belleville, which is encouraging other cities in the area to provide similar services during the winter.
“This is the beginning of something that can save lives in Belleville,” Moore said. “We hope other cities in the area look at serving the winter needs of their residents, too.”
