Hub City warming center to open Sunday, volunteers needed

JACKSON, Tenn. — The coldest weather this winter is expected to move into the region early next week. The City of Jackson, in partnership with First United Methodist Church, and other organizations have come up with an emergency plan.

With lows expected to be in the teens early next week, an emergency plan has been set in place for those who need to seek shelter.

“When the weather gets bad and people are in need of a place to stay, they can meet here at the church and we will house men and we will bus women and children to a different location with children,” said Hope, operations and communications director for First United Methodist Church.

The warming center will be located at First United Methodist Church in down town Jackson on South Church Street beginning Sunday, January 19, through Wednesday, January 22.

Blankets, towels and toiletries are needed, as well as monetary donations from the community if possible. Cots will be provided for those seeking aid and dinner will be provided by RIFA.

Any food donations can be taken directly to RIFA at 133 Airways Boulevard.

“The importance of this really can’t be overstated. Our faith is that the United Methodist Church commands that we serve the least of these and we act as the hands and feet of God. It’s really by that faith that we open our doors to folks, but we also just recognize that ending up without shelter is not that far off for any of us and so we really look at these people not just as the least of these, right; but as our neighbors and our friends here in the Jackson community and that’s why we are so passionate about serving them here,” said Hope.

Individuals seeking shelter should meet at First United Methodist Church at 5 p.m. Sunday.

Donations can be dropped off to the mission center inside the church. To make monetary donations in support of First United Methodist Church’s warming shelters efforts, click here.

For more news in the Jackson area, click here.