About GLOWS
Garland’s overnight warming shelter and summer cooling station, run entirely by volunteers.
Who we are
GLOWS (Garland Overnight Warming Shelter), also known as GLOWS Community Lighthouse, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We give our unhoused and struggling neighbors a safe place to be when the weather turns dangerous: a warm place to sleep on freezing nights, a cool place to rest on the hottest afternoons, and a hot meal every week of the year.
We have no paid staff. Every shift is covered by volunteers from churches, businesses, schools and neighborhoods across Garland and the surrounding cities, and every dollar donated goes to the people we serve.
What we do
Warming Station
Overnight shelter in winter with cots, blankets, meals and friendly faces.
Cooling Station
Weekday afternoons in summer, 1–5 PM, with air conditioning, cold water and snacks.
Community Meals
Sunday lunch 12–1 PM and Wednesday dinner 6–7 PM, all year.
Beyond shelter and meals, our volunteers help guests find information on housing, jobs, medical care and other resources. Find resources
How we decide to open
We follow the National Weather Service forecast, which often differs from local TV forecasts.
- Warming Station: a forecast wind chill of 32°F or below with a 20% or greater chance of precipitation, or 28°F or below without, and during winter storms.
- Cooling Station: a forecast heat index of 100°F or higher on a weekday.
Because openings depend on the weather, we often decide just a few days ahead. The home page always shows the current status.
Where we are
Our home base is the Salvation Army Garland at 451 W. Avenue D, our main shelter, including through the February 2021 ice storm. When that building isn’t available, Axe Memorial United Methodist Church and Lavon Drive Baptist Church step in as backup shelters, and Lavon Drive provides buses to bring guests in.
The City of Garland, Good Samaritans of Garland and dozens of churches, restaurants and businesses make this work. Meet our partners
Our team
- Cindy Hogan, Activations, Logistics, Donations, Volunteers and Meals
- Erin Melito, Shift Leader
- Albert Li, Shift Leader
- Sean Matthews, Shift Leader
…and the many volunteers who cook, serve, set up cots and sit with our guests through the night.
Join us
There’s a place for you at GLOWS, whether you can give one evening, a pot of chili or a few dollars.