At The Salvation Army Alexandria Corps, the routine is simple: when the temperature hits **32 degrees—or even feels like 32—**the doors open. A cold-weather shelter. A warming station. A safe place for neighbors who don’t have one.

They’ve done it several times this season.

But when Winter Storm Fern settled over Alexandria, the cold didn’t lift during the day. It didn’t give anyone a break. And when temperatures stay below freezing long enough, being outside becomes more than uncomfortable—it becomes dangerous.

So the Alexandria Corps stayed open—around the clock.

What began as an emergency response became a sustained operation. Night after night, people came in with nowhere safe to go. At its peak so far, the Corps has been sheltering 82 people—including 32 already checked into the veterans wing and the women’s and families-with-children areas, plus as many as 50 additional guests overnight.

As the need grew, the building changed around it. The meeting room filled with beds. A long hallway between the chapel and offices became a line of cots. When dorm beds were open on the women’s side, women were moved there first—because after days of fighting the cold, even small comforts matter.

And still, neighbors in need kept coming.

The staff carried that reality every hour the doors stayed open—while short-handed, down three staff members, with remaining employees working double shifts to keep coverage steady day and night. Some days, even getting to the shelter depended on road conditions. Every shift required coordination, sacrifice, and a kind of endurance you don’t train for—you discover it when you have no choice.

But what has left Salvation Army Officers Daniel and Tammy Camarillo, Corps Administrators in Alexandria, overwhelmed with emotion is what happened once those doors opened.

The community rallied—immediately, practically, and without hesitation.

Churches sent volunteers to monitor in shifts. City councilors and community leaders came by to see what was needed. The Red Cross, local partners, and non-profits leaned in. The sheriff’s department provided 24/7 security, and the fire department remained close by. The mayor checked in and offered generator support if power failed; the Homeless Coalition helped secure essentials like groceries and paper goods; the police department and other city partners stayed engaged; the local 911 coordinator checked in daily; and the media amplified needs so help could move faster. And just as powerfully, everyday Alexandrians showed up—dropping off donations, filling gaps, and even shipping supplies directly to the Corps.

Behind it all was a deeply effective network—a group text chain connecting nonprofits and disaster-response partners across Alexandria. When the Corps needed something, a message went out. And help came back fast: I’ve got it. I’m on my way. I’ll drop it off.

Even pets—often the reason someone won’t leave the cold—were met with compassion, with partners willing to help provide kennels so no one had to choose between warmth and their companion.

“That’s what stays with you,” said Sergeant Tammy Camarillo.  Not just the logistics. Not just the numbers. But a community opening its hearts and giving without question to ensure no one goes without.

“This experience has been overwhelming because of the way this community has come alongside us,” said Sergeant Tammy Camarillo. “I’ve never experienced anything like it. This community cares so much about keeping our neighbors safe. When leaders walk in and say, ‘We’re here—what do you need?’ it changes everything.”

Winter Storm Fern is still impacting the region, with conditions expected to continue into next week. The emergency warming shelter may remain open through then.

But inside the Alexandria Corps, something is already clear:

In the hardest cold, Alexandria did not look away—and because of that, dozens of neighbors who might have faced dangerous wintery conditions outside are sleeping tonight in warmth, safety, and dignity.