Written by Helen Strickland

Searcy First Methodist Church and nonprofit organization Mission Machine partnered this year to provide resources and shelter — the “Warming Center” — to people in need this winter. Searcy First Methodist Church houses people on nights below 26 degrees Fahrenheit. The Warming Center opened in 2010.

Those without a home often receive aid from Mission Machine, a local nonprofit. Through Mission Machine, those in need of housing are provided with a place to sleep and basic amenities. Mission Machine director Michael Phifer expressed his appreciation for the Warming Center and its contributions to the Mission Machine.

“I like that they meet the people they meet at [Searcy First Methodist Church] and get connections,” Phifer said. “It really lets them know that, ‘I’m maybe going through a rough time in my life right now, but I’m still a part of this community.’”

Those who spend the night at the Warming Center often arrive around 6 p.m. They are served dinner and are provided entertainment such as a movie or a game night. They are served breakfast around 7 a.m. the following morning. Volunteers from the church serve the food and spend the night with attendees.

Warming Center volunteer Sylvia Cummings spoke of the collaboration by church members who help keep the Warming Center successful.

“We have people who cook meals,” Cummings said. “…We have people who set up and pick up. So it’s more than just ‘walk in and everybody goes to sleep.’”

Searcy First Methodist Church is also responsible for the Warming Fence, a fence on Main Street used to store donated winter clothing. Those in need of warm clothing during cold temperatures may take clothing from the Warming Fence at no cost. The Warming Fence is successful; approximately 500 coats have been given away this year.

Searcy First Methodist Church member Patty Williams got the idea for the Warming Fence from a friend in Rogers, Arkansas, and opened its doors in 2021. The Warming Fence consists of a fence with winter coats hanging on it and tubs of other winter clothes. Williams spoke of her inspiration to begin the Warming Fence in Searcy.

“I just feel led to do this,” Williams said.

Senior Pastor of Searcy First Methodist Church Jeff Jackson spoke of Searcy residents’ participation in the program.

“We’ve actually had people from all over the community come and participate,” Jackson said. “…We’ve had an overwhelming response of people giving and receiving what we have out on the fence.”

Searcy First Methodist Church is currently accepting donations of winter clothing for the Warming Fence.