Salvation Army expands cold-weather response in Kentucky and Tennessee
Louisville, KY – Although the recent winter storm has moved out of the region, dangerously cold temperatures remain entrenched across Kentucky and Tennessee, with forecasts calling for well-below-freezing conditions to persist for at least the next week. Tennessee and Southern Kentucky absorbed the brunt of the storm, and as of Monday, widespread power outages continue across middle Tennessee and south-central Kentucky, leaving many households without heat or electricity.
The Salvation Army remains fully engaged in response and recovery efforts, with representatives embedded at both the Kentucky and Tennessee State Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs). Salvation Army teams are also in direct communication with local Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs) across both states and are actively responding to requests for assistance.
Warming Centers and Sheltering Expanded
As prolonged cold increases the risk to vulnerable populations, The Salvation Army continues to expand warming centers and sheltering operations. There are now 13 Salvation Army warming centers open across Kentucky and Tennessee, including:
Kentucky
- Louisville
- Bowling Green
- Hopkinsville
- Madisonville
- Henderson
- Ashland
Tennessee
- Dyersburg
- Cleveland
- Sevierville
- Bristol
- Kingsport
- Johnson City
- Clarksville
These facilities are providing warmth, safety, and critical support to individuals and families impacted by power outages and extreme cold.
Ongoing Emergency Services
In addition to sheltering, Salvation Army mobile kitchen units remain staged and ready to provide hot meals, drinks, and essential supplies as needs continue to evolve.
Through Sunday, January 25, The Salvation Army has served the following across Kentucky and Tennessee:
- 284 individuals sheltered
- 994 meals served
- 1,348 drinks distributed
- 507 snacks provided
- 82 blankets distributed
- 55 personal hygiene kits distributed
- 69 emotional and spiritual care contacts
“While the snow and ice may be gone, the danger is far from over,” said Scott Tibbets, Emergency Disaster Services Director for The Salvation Army. “Extended power outages combined with prolonged subfreezing temperatures create serious and ongoing risks. Our teams are committed to walking alongside these communities for as long as it takes—providing warmth, nourishment, emotional support, and hope as Kentucky and Tennessee recover from this storm.”
Coordinated Response Across the Region
The Salvation Army continues to work in close coordination with state and local officials, emergency management partners, and other voluntary organizations to ensure resources are deployed where they are needed most. With a presence in nearly every zip code in America, The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to respond quickly and effectively during times of disaster and extended recovery.
How the Public Can Help
These lifesaving efforts are made possible only through the generosity of donors. The Salvation Army is deeply grateful to those who have already given, helping ensure immediate support for neighbors in need. However, financial contributions are still urgently needed as cold-weather response and recovery efforts continue.
The most effective way to help is through a financial donation, which allows The Salvation Army the flexibility to purchase the most-needed items in each affected community.
Ways to Give:
- Online: www.helpsalvationarmy.org
- By Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (800-725-2769)
- By Mail:
The Salvation Army
PO Box 436437
Louisville, KY 40253
(Memo: January 2026 Winter Storm)
Here for the Long Haul
The Salvation Army remains committed to serving throughout this period of extreme cold and beyond, adapting its response as conditions change and continuing to support Kentucky and Tennessee communities for as long as the need exists.
For more winter weather coverage, click here.
