The cold night that is ahead is just another reminder that the Wausau Community Warming Center is in need of volunteers.

It opened its doors nearly a week ago, providing a warm place to stay for up to 15 homeless people a night.

Wednesday morning, the center held a volunteer training session.

More volunteers are needed to check in guests and ensure everything goes smoothly throughout the night.

Shifts are from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m., and 2 a.m. until 7 a.m.

"Right now my biggest need is for people to come from 2 a.m. to 7 am," said Center Coordinator Diane Borchardt. "I do realize that's a tough time of the night."

She says volunteers should be compassionate, welcoming and willing to work a night shift, and that so far they have fit the bill.

One potential volunteer who attended a training session says as a nurse she has seen firsthand that homelessness is a local problem.

"I see the difficulty of being able to find them a place to stay and having to say I'm sorry there's nothing I can do," said Kelly Pospychala. "I'm hoping that this warming center builds from the 15 beds it has now," she said.

As a volunteer, she hopes to spend some time with the homeless and help them find permanent homes.

Here is a list of upcoming training sessions:

Wednesday, February 6th - 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Monday, February 11th - 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Tuesday, February 12th - 5:30 - 7:30 pm

The Community Warming Center is located in the lower level of St. Paul's UCC at 319 N. 4th Street in downtown Wausau.