Hub City organizations partner to create temporary warming shelter
JACKSON, Tenn. — The City of Jackson is partnering up with multiple organizations throughout the Hub City for temporary warming shelter efforts.
The City of Jackson along with Tennessee Homeless Solutions, First United Methodist Church, RIFA and the West Tennessee Healthcare Hope & Healing Foundation are helping individuals fight the cold due to recent winter weather advisories across the region.
The temporary warming shelter is located at the First United Methodist Church Mission Center on 200 South Church Street in Jackson.
“The warming shelter is here for our local community. Everyone that is in need of shelter at this time is able to come to this center,” said Avery Fuller, program director for Tennessee Homeless Solutions.
The shelter opened earlier Monday and will remain open through Wednesday January 8. The following plan has been devised to provide a temporary warming center for homeless men, women and children seeking aid.
“The men will be here at Methodist Church, and the women will be transferred to a hotel. We have warm food here, as well as places for them to sleep, and there is no smoking,” said Fuller.
The community is encouraged to donate. So, monetary donations will be accepted at West Tennessee Healthcare Hope & Healing Foundation for this and future emergency response needs.
“We’re accepting any clothes, any food, any jackets — anything to help keep us warm through this time,” said Fuller.
Nonperishable food items can be dropped off at RIFA on 133 Airways Boulevard. While toiletries, t-shirts, sweat pants, socks and coats can be dropped off at First United Methodist Church Mission Center.
The Emergency Management Agency, and the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department will provide cots and blankets. Dinner will be provided by RIFA with coordinated efforts with the First United Methodist Church and other area churches.
“The warming shelter opens up from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., and then Area Relief opens up their doors from that time in the morning until about noon. From there they go to ARM and from ARM they’ll transfer back to here from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.,” said Fuller.
Service animals are permitted to accompany those who seek shelter. Multiple warming shelters are located around the region including surrounding communities like Huntingdon, McKenzie, Paris and Savannah.
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