Where to find help this winter: Kingsport shelters and services

KINGSPORT — As temperatures fall, several Kingsport organizations are offering shelter, winter supplies and support services to help people stay safe through the winter. Salvation Army Located at 505 Dale St., the Salvation Army provides daily meals through its soup kitchen and offers winter clothing through its pantry and thrift store. Capt. Crystal Radi said the emergency shelter houses 40 beds which includes 15 for women, 15 for men and two family units. The only restriction for entry is being listed on the sexual offender registry. "We do require people to show us something with their name on it," Radi said. "If they don't have important documents like an ID or birth certificate, we connect them with the right agencies to get those." She said the organization regularly provides winter supplies to those needing to stay warm. "We give out coats, blankets and hats," Radi said. "We have a lot of people requesting hot hands as well. We always encourage people to donate these kind of winter supplies if possible. The Salvation Army also activates white flag nights when temperatures fall below 35 degrees, adding temporary sleeping space for those needing to come indoors. Hope Haven Founded in 1973 as the Main Street Gospel Mission, Hope Haven moved to its current Dale Street location in 1982, where it has continued to provide support under the motto, "Helping the Homeless Help Themselves." Hope Haven operates a mens shelter which houses 20 beds, and a womens and childrens shelter which has 10 beds. The nonprofit also runs a the following series of programs designed to help clients transition to work or housing: Transient Program: Short-term shelter for people passing through Job Search Program: A 14-day stay for individuals actively seeking employment Work Program: A 90-day stay in which residents save 75% of their income Special Needs Program: Support for individuals with disabilities and pregnant women First Step Program: Work experience for people returning to the workforce Fresh Start Program: Provides essential items for individuals moving into housing Shades of Grace Shades of Grace offers weekday bagged lunches Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon, and provides emergency groceries on request. The church is located at 313 E Sullivan St. where it also operates a clothing closet. Pastor Will Shewey said the organization also maintains shower facilities. "Men's showers are Monday through Thursday, and women's are on Tuesdays and Thursdays," he said. "But in emergencies, we will open showers any day of the week." Shades of Grace also provides a community mailbox, allowing individuals to use the church's address for official documents. Grace House Grace House, located at 700 E. Sullivan St., runs a day shelter until 4 p.m. and a night shelter with 20 beds for women and another 20 for men. All guests must be indoors by 10 p.m. The shelter occupies a 13,000-square-foot building and provides access to showers, laundry facilities and hygiene supplies. Downstairs, a day services center connects residents with community partners who provide case management, mental health services and referrals to health care like vision. As a low barrier shelter, Grace House has few entry requirements. One of the requirements is that guests cannot be on the sex offenders list. The organization does not require an ID upfront and that case management can help residents replace lost identification. First Presbyterian Church First Presbyterian Church, in partnership with First Broad Street United Methodist, offers a grab-and-go breakfast every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Becca Wright, parish Nurse at First Presbyterian Church, said it began in 2020 after COVID-19 shut down First Broad Street's indoor "Friendship Diner." Volunteers prepare two small bags per person, which includes a hot sausage biscuit, fruit cup, crackers, a pastry and water. Wright says the ministry serves both the homeless and anyone experiencing hunger, averaging 80 to 100 people each weekend, or roughly 160 to 200 bags.