Overnight Warming Locations Provide Shelter for Cold Nights, Seek Volunteers as Temperatures Drop
Volunteers are needed to keep Overnight Warming Locations running in Alton, Edwardsville, Granite City and Wood River. Learn about the roles available and ways to help on- or off-site.
Isaac Sandidge on the Overnight Warming Locations’ Expansion and Volunteer Needs
ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE/GRANITE CITY/WOOD RIVER - The Overnight Warming Locations have announced a new site for the 2026–2027 season, and they’re looking for volunteers to serve community members experiencing homelessness and heat insufficiency.
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The Overnight Warming Locations (OWLs) will mark their eighth season of providing overnight shelter when the temperatures drop to 20 degrees or lower in Alton. With sites in Alton, Edwardsville and Granite City, they are eager to welcome a new location in Wood River this year. Director Isaac Sandidge noted they are in need of volunteers to keep the OWLs running and supporting neighbors in need.
“Several communities open up their doors to bring in folks that may be experiencing some sort of heat insufficiency, whether that be they’re unhoused or maybe their heat went out, and we offer a place to sleep,” Sandidge said. “We offer some amenities. Sometimes we have a department store if folks need goods or supplies. We offer food, and most importantly, we offer community and conversation and connection.”
In Alton, the OWL is located at Deliverance Temple. In Edwardsville, First Baptist Church houses the OWL. In Granite City, you’ll find the OWL at Mount Zion Church. LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church has stepped up to carry on the OWL tradition in Wood River.
More information about the OWLs, their locations and hours can be found at the official OWLs webpage or the OWLs Facebook page. The Facebook page also announces when the OWLs are open.
Volunteers are needed for 2–3-hour shifts, from hospitality shifts, where volunteers play cards and chat with guests, to overnight shifts, where volunteers are available for whatever guests need. Volunteers are divided into three teams, so they are asked to come in every third activation.
Sandidge noted that there are also ways to get involved without coming onsite. You can help with laundry, coordinate meals, or donate and spread the word about the OWLs in the community. However you choose to help, he emphasized that it’s a deeply rewarding experience.
“We can’t do this without people that are willing to come in, or not come in and do other things, but really help us push this movement forward,” Sandidge said. “We see this community in action. I can’t help but feel rejuvenated and just refilled whenever I leave my shift. It’s just a really neat thing to experience. It’s a neat thing to be a part of. You know, when you leave that morning, that evening, whenever your shift’s over, that you did something to help somebody.”
As a grassroots movement, the OWLs aim to expand their reach to other communities in the future. The group is eager to open in Wood River this year, and Sandidge hopes they can help a lot of people who need a warm place to go on cold nights.
He noted that there isn’t an “us and them” mentality at the OWLs, but rather an understanding that everyone there is equal and helping one another. This is an important part of the OWLs’ mission.
“We just sort of walk alongside people and really build that community around it, recognizing that the folks that utilize our services are our neighbors. They’re our community members,” he added. “We don’t like to be like, ‘Okay, I’m here serving you.’ Instead, we’re doing this all together.”
To learn more about the Overnight Warming Locations, including how to volunteer, how to donate, or when they are open, check out their official Facebook page or the official OWLs webpage.
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