Nonprofit aims to provide relief for the homeless amid dangerous heat

SAVANNAH, Tenn. — The summer’s intense heat poses a big risk to the homeless population.

We spoke with one local nonprofit who aims to provide relief during this season.

Voices of Savannah recently purchased a property to convert into a childcare facility.

As renovations will take months to complete, the nonprofit will be using the space as a cooling station for individuals in need.

“We’re hoping to provide a safe and cool space for people to come in and just relax and recharge,” said Deborah Shaw, director of Voices of Savannah.

Located at 609 East Main Street, the cooling station will be available during the daytime between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. depending on volunteer support.

“We have a lot of homeless people. We have even people in our community that may not have adequate cooling and enough water, so having this available for those individuals, I think is critical, especially with our heat index being so high,” said Shaw.

The cooling station will provide hydration, meals, fruit and most importantly air. Shaw is hoping to serve anywhere from 15 to 25 people.

“Some of the renovation will be including to add washer and dryer facilities and having a shower that will be on-site that homeless individuals or people that are in need can utilize,” said Shaw.

Renovations will begin in July with big plans to make the space a staple in the community. If you would like to donate or volunteer your time, you can reach out to Voices of Savannah at (731) 438-5166.

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