HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – The Salvation Army of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County is reopening a summer service to combat the upcoming heat wave.

The organization’ s cooling center that was operating during the heat wave that occurred earlier this summer will open again in anticipation of high temperatures later this week.

In a news release, Lt. Doug Ingold said that heat and humidity can put people at risk for heat illness and heat stroke which, in some cases, can be deadly.

In 2023, the organization began offering a cool space with air conditioning, cold water and more.

The space opens when the heat index – or “feels like” – temperature rises above 92°F. This week, the Salvation Army plans to open the cooling center will be open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from Wednesday, July 31 to Saturday, August 3.

“We have a place for people to come and cool off, and have some water, and make sure they’re hydrated,” Ingold said.

The Salvation Army helps low-income or homeless individuals with programs and services like its shelter. However, the cooling center will be for anyone who needs it during the heat wave, according to the release.

“There are people with homes that do not have air conditioning, so sometimes they need somewhere to go to cool off and we want to be able to provide that for anybody who needs that service,” Ingold said.

As the costs of operating the shelter – including air conditioning, water and snacks – add up, Ingold also encourages donations to the Harrisonburg Salvation Army.

For more information, interested donors can call 540-434-4854 or visit the organization’s website, https://harrisonburg.salvationarmypotomac.org/