KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The East Tennessee region was preparing warming shelters ahead of incoming winter weather.
Knoxville Area
Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon posted on social media what centers would be available to people experiencing homelessness.
Starting Monday, Jan. 15, the following three churches in Knoxville will act as emergency warming centers: Cokesbury Church, Vestal United Methodist Church and Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church.
Cokesbury Church, located at 9919 Kingston Pike, will be open from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. Vestal United Methodist Church, located at 115 Ogle Ave. will be open from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church, located at 2700 E. Magnolia Ave. will be open from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m.
According to a release from the Office of Housing Stability, volunteers would continue working at the centers until Jan. 19. Doors will close for all three churches at 8 p.m. Pets are allowed at all three warming centers.
The city said Thursday afternoon that the Vestal UMC warming center was at capacity and people had to be taken to the South Knoxville Community Center to make more space for people to spend the night. The city encouraged people to go directly to the South Knoxville Community Center instead of the Vestal UMC on Thursday night.
"Thanks to Pastor Tim Jackson and the many volunteers who are helping keep our neighbors warm and fed, and our City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation folks who are making the use of this center possible," the city said on social media.
Volunteers are also needed to help staff at the Vestal and Magnolia locations. If you would like to volunteer for Vestal United Methodist, you can visit here. If you would like to volunteer for Magnolia, you can visit here.
You can also donate new or used sleeping bags, bedding or new socks and underwear to Knox Area Rescue Ministries by calling 865-673-6540. Donations can also be given directly at warming centers, which leaders said are running low on food.
The Knoxville Police Department also said officers have been transporting people who need it to warming centers or to KARM, as they received calls and requests. Officers have also been checking known camps to encourage people to seek shelter, according to a statement from a spokesperson.
Sevier County
Sevier County leaders said the county would open a warming center starting at 8 pm. on Monday at Sevierville First United Methodist Church, located at 214 Cedar Street in Sevierville. It will be open daily from 8 p.m. through 8 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Salvation Army Serving Sevier and Cocke Counties helped open it, according to a release from leaders.
Blount County
People can go to the First Baptist Church of Maryville, located at 202 W. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Maryville, which will be open from 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. on Jan. 14 through Jan. 18. People without a safe place to sleep can go there to stay warm as temperatures drop to dangerous lows.
Monroe County
The Lighthouse Community Resource Center has opened its doors for those who need warmth. Located at 4930 Highway 411 in Madisonville, the center will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Thursday. The days may be extended depending on the weather.
Anyone in need of an overnight shelter can reach out to the Monroe County Sheriff's Department at 423-442-3911 and select the main jail option for assistance. They will be providing a warming shelter from 9 p.m. until 9 am. through Thursday.
If you would like to donate your time, supplies, or a meal, you can reach out to Latasha Leming at 865-229-6608.
Greene County
According to A Community in Action Reaches Everyone, otherwise known as CARE, a warming center was open Monday at Asbury United Methodist Church. CARE said it was providing staffing, food, water, blankets and more at the shelter.
