“SALT stands for Shine A Light Together,” said the Rev. Dani Rogers, the church’s pastor. “It’s a place for anyone in the community to come hang out as a way to escape the elements of the weather, especially in our most brutal months in Iowa.”

The center serves as a warming and cooling center for individuals in need of respite/rest from the hot and cold temperatures throughout the year.

Julie Piton, program coordinator of Fort Dodge Community Foundation and United Way, explained, “There is really no place downtown for the community to use a public restroom or even fill up their water bottle to stay hydrated. The SALT Center is open to everyone and anyone who needs a place to go for a few hours.”

The first time visiting the center, individuals will have to go through an intake process during which they will be asked a series of questions, including if they are experiencing any symptoms due to the weather.

“The intake process is more for us to track what is most needed and how we can make the center better for those who want to use it,” said Rogers.

Once done going through intake, then they will be given cold water or hot coffee. There will be puzzles, books, magazines, Legos, a charging station, and other activities for those to utilize during their time at the center.

Piton and Rogers’ long-term goal for the center would be to have a permanent paid staff so they can be open longer during the day.

“Right now we are looking into grants for the SALT Center, but also any donations or volunteers from the community are much appreciated,” said Piton. “We have had so many wonderful donations already, including supplies provided by the Webster County Health Department, and the Fort Dodge Community Health Center has also offered medical help for those who need it.

Rogers added, “That is where Shine A Light Together comes into play, because it brings the community together to try to help those in need while also making our community better together.”

The SALT Center is located downtown at First Baptist Church, 28 N. 10th St, and is open Monday through Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to have an adult with them.