JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – As temperatures plummet this winter, the Salvation Army of Johnson City, along with other organizations in the Tri-Cities region, will continue their white flag initiative.

This program activates when thermometers hit 35 degrees or below, signaled by a white flag displayed outside Salvation Army shelters.

Residents of the Tri-Cities can find these shelters in Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol. For assistance in locating a shelter nearby, click here.

During white flag conditions, the Salvation Army of Johnson City offers temporary overnight accommodations for up to 25 individuals. For those requiring prolonged shelter, there is an opportunity to enroll in a longer-term program. This facility includes 48 beds in total, with 15 designated for veterans and the remaining 33 available for emergency housing.

According to Major Jamie Spalding of the Bristol Salvation Army, the white flag serves as a crucial signal for those in need during extreme cold conditions.

“The white flag is a metaphor meaning that the rules and regulations we typically abide by are relaxed and our community is free to come in and be safe from the weather,” Spalding said. “We will do our best to house as many people from the elements as we can.”

Major R.C. Duskin with the Johnson City Salvation Army said if someone is looking for a longer stay instead of the white flag, they can reach out and go through the interview process.

“We are more than just a bed, and we want to be able to provide folks that help and that hand up to be able to transition them from homelessness into permanent housing,” said Duskin.

The director of social services for the Salvation Army, Andrew Brady, said the community can also lend a helping hand during the cold season.

“For many in the community that are in need, they have not yet transitioned over to more weather wear for the cold temperatures. So any donations of long-sleeved shirts or flannels or jackets is very much appreciated,” said Brady.

Brady also said the Salvation Army has community partners that will help if overflow with sheltering were to occur.

“In relation to emergency shelter and the veterans programs that we have, once we do reach capacity, our case managers will still meet with the people who come to try to receive those services,” said Brady.

For more information on the Johnson City Salvation Army shelter, click here.