Jackson to open emergency shelters during freezing weather

JACKSON, Tenn. – Jackson Mayor Scott Conger held a brief press conference regarding the emergency shelter plan for the upcoming weather.

The temperatures are expected to drop dramatically in the coming days and the City of Jackson is planning shelter areas for the community.

“And so in preparation for that upcoming freezing weather, starting on January 14 at 4 p.m. through January 17 at 9 a.m., we’ve devised a plan for emergency shelter for our homeless population for men and women and children,” Conger said.

There will be two separate shelters: One that will accommodate men and one that will accommodate women and children. Both will be in downtown Jackson.

“And so our emergency shelter location for men will be at the Carl Perkins Civics Center located at 400 South Highland Avenue. The Room at the Inn will take place there as well. During that time, from Sunday to Wednesday, the Carl Perkins Civics Center will be closed to the general public,” Conger said.

The shelter for women and children will be right across the street at a local church.

“And then our friends at First United Methodist Church, for their mission center, have agreed and stepped up, and we appreciate them, to offer emergency shelter for women and children. And that will be at the same time from 4:00 January 14 through 9:00 a.m. on January 17,” Conger said.

Mayor Conger went on to say that food can be donated to RIFA for these shelters, and any toiletries or clothing can be dropped off at the shelter locations. 

Both shelters will allow service animals and the city is working on a plan to house those that are not service animals.

You can see how the Tennessee Department of Transportation is preparing for the weather here.

The Salvation Army is also doing its own preparation. See how here.

For more news in the Jackson area, click here.