The Salvation Army is gearing up to open their new Warming Center as soon as they can hire a staff, and applications are open.

Captain Josh Boyd said on Friday that they want to open the center as soon as possible due to the bitter cold nights in Missoula.

“It’s going very well,” said Boyd. “We’ve almost raised all the money we need to open the shelter, but we’ve received authorization to open the shelter before we get full funding, so right now we’re in the middle of our hiring process to get our staff in place, and as soon as the staff is hired we will be opening our doors.”

Boyd describes the staff they’ll need for the center.

“They’ve got to be willing to work overnights,” he said. “Ideally, we’d like to see some social work background or experience with people who are experiencing homelessness, but those aren’t necessarily requirements, but they would be helpful. We’re looking for folks who are caring and compassionate and are willing to work with folks who are experiencing difficult times.”

Boyd said they’re looking for a mix of men and women who are over 18. The salary will be $12 per hour with no benefits and the work will run through the end of March.

Boyd said he is hoping to open the center in the next few weeks as soon as he can put the staff in place.

Interested parties can apply in person at the Salvation Army headquarters at 355 South Russell.

More From KMPT-AM