As Atlanta braces for a cold snap, the city is taking proactive measures to support its vulnerable populations by opening warming centers across town. Announced yesterday, these temporary shelters will provide refuge from the frigid temperatures that are expected to hit the region.
The initiative kicks off yesterday, at 8:00 p.m., with centers remaining operational until this morning at 11:00 a.m., and again this evening they will reopen their doors at 8:00 p.m. with services extending into tomorrow, until 9:00 a.m., ensuring that no one is left out in the cold during the sub-zero nighttime temperatures that have imperiled Atlanta before, these centers emerge as essential havens for those without a place to call home, as per the city's website.
According to the City of Atlanta's official announcement, one of the warming centers is located at Central Park Recreation Center on 400 Merritts Ave. NE, Atlanta GA 30308. The Selena S. Butler Park and Recreation Center at 98 William Holmes Borders Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 will serve women and children exclusively, while the Old Adamsville Recreation Center at 3404 Delmar Ln NW, Atlanta, GA 30331 is designated for overflow.
In addition to providing a safe and warm space, transportation to these warming centers will be facilitated nightly from the Gateway Center at 8:00 p.m., ensuring that no logistical hurdles hinder individuals from seeking shelter, with return transportation provided upon deactivation of the centers by Fulton County; activation times however may shift according to the latest National Weather Service forecasts.
