The winter weather makes it hard for many to stay warm, but a program called Freezing Nights works to make it a little easier to give people a warm bed and a hot meal.

Stacy Guthmiller, community development director with Calvary Community Church in Sumner, one of several churches participating in the program, said the church offers a place to stay on Monday nights as long as the temperature is recorded at 37 degrees or less the night before.

If people are in need of a place to stay they gather at the Puyallup Police Station and are bussed over to the shelter.

Guthmiller said nobody is turned away, but a background check is required to ensure the safety of everyone heading to the church.

Guests come to the Puyallup police station by 6:30 p.m. and a van transports them to the church. Calvary is one of several churches participating in the Freezing Nights program nights.

Guthmiller said besides shelter, guests of the church are given food and can participate in social activities such as games, although most take the time to sleep.

“Usually, because people are tired, they get to bed at about 10 p.m.,” Guthmiller said.

Guthmiller said so far the church has had plenty of room to accommodate guests.

“The highest number we’ve had is 35,” she said.

To prepare for more guests in the future, the church is looking to acquire cots and either Calvary or other participating churches will have a need for volunteers.

Guthmiller said volunteering is a great way to meet people.

“It’s a great way to build relationships with people in the community. I’m not kidding, you hear the coolest stories,” she said. “I think sometimes society has almost a stereotype about people who aren’t fortunate enough and stay in a shelter. I think it’s a blessing for people who volunteer and stay here,” she said.

To volunteer contact the church at 253-863-3352. ext. 330.

Reach Chaz Holmes at cholmes@courierherald.com or 360-802-8208