KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — First Baptist Church in Maryville serves as a warming center when temperatures reach 25 degrees and below.
"I would imagine it's very important. And perhaps depending on how cold it gets, it actually is I think lifesaving," Senior Pastor Bill Booth said.
On a week where temperatures could dip below freezing, people without homes are preparing for what's to come.
Judah Israel is experiencing homelessness. "It's hard to stay warm out here. I mean, we survive, we stick together. We family," he said.
Pastor Booth said they must open their doors.
"This is something that's critical in these very dangerous temperatures, to have a place where folks know that they can be safe. But as I say, also to know that there are folks who really do see them and care for them," Booth said.
The church opened its doors for the first time this winter last week—an effort which they say helped over 20 people.
"My understanding is that there were over 20 individuals who came to eat and then many of those stayed not all but some folks will just come and eat and then choose to not stay but that is their choice," Booth said.
For people living with housing struggles, a shelter can be a place of refuge.
"When you're homeless and you ain't got nothing to call your own, you just got to go where the heat at," Israel said.
He said finding heat is not always as easy as it sounds.
"You go in one of these parking garages—they might think you trying to break in cars. And you just trying to stay warm," Israel said.
As temperatures continue to cool, Booth said they'll be open for any who need them.
"We're a resource that is available to you, if you choose to use that we're grateful that you do that. If you choose not to, we're okay, next time, we're still here, we'll still be open," Booth said.