House of Hope provides safety and warmth for those in need

One of Branson's amazing nonprofit entities is House of Hope. In addition to many other vital services, House of Hope provides a Warming Center on the coldest of winter nights, giving the unsheltered a place to rest and relax in a safe and warm environment.

"The Warming Center operates when the temperature reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below at some point overnight," explained House of Hope's Alex Sprinkle. "House of Hope utilizes the hourly forecast on KY3 to make the determination."

Last fall and winter, the Warming Center was open a total of 46 days. So far this fall, the Warming Center has opened twice, and at press time, with the threat of colder temperatures on the horizon, Sprinkle and the staff were watching the weather closely in anticipation of opening the center later in the week.

Sprinkle explained some of the many services that the Warming Center provides to guests. "When a guest arrives at the Center, they are greeted by our intake staff," Sprinkle said. "The guest will complete the intake paperwork and review the rules with our crew. Once they complete the intake process, they proceed to the Warming Center.  A warm meal and a safe space to sleep await them inside."

The Warming Center has a men's side, a women's side and a family room, with a maximum capacity of 49 individuals who can stay overnight. Guests are welcome to use the laundry facility and the shower facility while at the center. Guests also have access to a variety of entertainment, including online streaming on the center's television and a selection of games. Guests also interact with one another and the staff, as they gain a feeling of community.

"Our greatest hope at the center is that guests will experience a sense of belonging." Sprinkle explained. "There are so many of our guests who have experienced trauma and hardship. While they are at the center, we want them to know they are safe and they are loved. While the Warming Center offers dinner and breakfast, a safe place to sleep, shower facilities and laundry facilities, its primary focus is community and connection. It is often the Warming Center that allows us to meet guests for the first time. It provides a safe space to meet people where they are at and encourages them to take the next step in a positive direction."

The House of Hope Warming Center operates from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. The House of Hope's Advocacy Office is open Monday through Friday, but the Warming Center is open any time the temperature dips to freezing or below, including weekends and holidays.

The Warming Center's current list of needs includes drinks, high-protein snacks and to-go boxes.

Said Sprinkle, "At times, guests choose to visit the center to warm up and eat a warm meal before returning to their car, camp site, or other various arrangements. To go boxes allow us to give them extra food for the evening."

"As always, we are so grateful for the Branson community," continued Sprinkle. "The generosity and kindness of the individuals and businesses here blow us away. Thank you so much to all those who have contributed with your time and resources to serve those in need. Our community is better because of your willingness to love others."

The House of Hope Warming Center is located behind Riley's Treasures, at 215 Veterans Boulevard in downtown Branson.