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Local church, partners describe limits on warming-shelter operations and need for funding upgrades
Summary
Impact Church said it paused a warming-shelter program this winter after the fire department required a fire-suppression upgrade; the church and partner agencies are fundraising and coordinating with the Salvation Army and city staff for alternatives.
Roy Rhodes, pastor at Impact Church, told the Temple City Council on Dec. 18 that the congregation temporarily suspended its warming shelter this year after the fire department required an upgraded fire suppression system.
Rhodes said the church has run a warming shelter for six years but cannot operate this season until the building meets the fire department’s requirements. He said the Salvation Army is providing shelter options for some people but that it enforces restrictions (for example, excluding some registered offenders or people previously removed by law enforcement). Rhodes said the church, the city and groups such as Feed My Sheep are working on solutions including pet support and fundraising to upgrade facilities.
The mayor and council thanked Impact Church for its past service and encouraged continued collaboration while noting that safety regulations and liability concerns shaped the decision not to operate the shelter this winter.
The meeting record shows community partners continuing to seek funding and facility upgrades so a church-run warming shelter can resume in a future season.
