KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — UPDATE FRIDAY: Knoxville area warming centers, which have proved a welcome relief for some residents from the cold and snow, will remain open at least through Monday morning and perhaps could remain open into Tuesday morning, organizers said.
Bitter cold conditions are expected to prevail through the weekend. Dozens of people have taken advantage of shelters opened this week under the coordination of the Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability and churches.
Erin Read, executive director of the office, told WBIR that amid the ice and sleet, 261 people used the warming centers Thursday night into Friday. On Wednesday night, 221 people used the shelters, according to Read.
The centers will continue to remain open until Monday morning at least, Read said.
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PREVIOUS STORY: A warming center in Knoxville is at capacity as another round of wintry weather approaches the city, bringing low temperatures and a possible coating of ice. To make sure there's room and people have a safe place to stay, guests are being transported to the South Knoxville Community Center.
By moving guests, the city said it hopes to make room at the Vestal United Methodist Warming Center so people can spend the night. The city said on social media that anyone who needs a place to stay during the dangerously cold weather should head directly to the community center at 522 Maryville Pike, instead of the Vestal UMC warming center.
"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.
Warming centers are available at different locations across the city. People can call the Knoxville Police Department's non-emergency line 865-673-6540 to find a warming center near them, as well as transportation.
Anyone who wants to volunteer to help operate warming centers can also call 211 to learn about opportunities to help or email the Office of Housing Stability at office@knoxtnhousing.org. They can also stop by the warming centers to donate food.