A warming center opened last night to provide shelter for individuals in need. The center is operating at First Baptist Church, located at the northeast corner of Poplar Avenue and East Parkway at 200 East Parkway North, with entrances accessible from Poplar. It began accepting guests at 10 p.m. yesterday and will remain open until noon today, as temperatures are forecast to fall into the 30s, with wind chills potentially reaching the low 20s or teens.
The facility is able to accommodate single men and women, families, and couples. Blankets and sack meals will be provided to guests while supplies last. According to a statement obtained by Action News 5, the center prioritizes maintaining a safe and respectful environment and asks guests with questions or special needs to share that information during check-in. Identification is not required.
Transportation assistance to the center is being coordinated by MATA, which began accepting ride requests at 9:30 p.m. yesterday. Individuals needing transportation can call 901-486-0939. Local Memphis reports the service is available as temperatures are expected to decline overnight. The Hospitality Hub, along with volunteers and community partners, worked to establish the center to provide shelter during the cold weather conditions.
A rapid change in weather conditions, from highs in the low 70s on Sunday to much colder temperatures expected throughout today, increases risk for individuals without reliable shelter or heating. In response, the Hospitality Hub and its partners, including First Baptist Church, coordinated efforts to open the warming center to provide temporary shelter during the cold conditions. The service is intended to address immediate needs resulting from the weather shift.
