Warming shelters to open Friday in Jackson, volunteers needed
JACKSON, Tenn. — While most residents are stocking up on essentials and preparing to shelter in place, others are worried about how they will survive this wintry mix.
Well, you don’t have to worry for too long. An emergency shelter plan for the Hub City has been activated.
“We have a policy that if there’s three consecutive days below 20° then the city will open up a cold weather shelter. So, we’re opening up two different ones; one for men, one for women and children,” said Claire Pruett, community development director.
Pruett tells us the City of Jackson has partnered with First United Methodist Church to provide temporary warming centers in the heart of downtown.
Starting this Friday night and continuing through next Tuesday night, men, women, and children seeking aid will be provided warmth and food.
“We want to make sure that we provide somewhere warm for people to stay because temperatures like this can be detrimental. They can be deadly to people that are unhoused and that don’t have proper shelter to go to during these times,” said Pruett.
Men seeking shelter from the storm are encouraged to meet Friday at 4 pm at the TR. White Sports Complex, located at 304 North Hays Avenue.
Women seeking shelter should meet at the First United Methodist Church Mission Center, located at 200 South Church Street at 4 pm as well.
“We try to do things that are centrally located in case people are walking to them,” said Pruett.
Mayor Scott Conger revealed in a recent Facebook post that the Madison County Emergency Management agency will be providing cots and blankets.
To ensure safety, at least one JPD officer will be onsite at each shelter. But additional helping hands are needed.
“We’re asking for volunteers to just be there, speak with the people that are there, help serve meals, and then, we also need food donations,” said Pruett.
In the event of a large power outage, residents will be welcomed at the civic center. A notice will be sent out to through the City of Jackson text alerts.
- To sign up as a volunteer, click here. (NOTE: Volunteers will serve in four hour shifts.)
- To donate meals and food items, click here.
For more news in the Jackson area, click here.
