KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knoxville and Knox County leaders said they were searching for volunteers to help out at warming centers across the area before cold weather starts settling into East Tennessee.
The Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability said it partnered with churches and service providers to open overnight warming centers for people living outside during the coldest days of the year. The office said it worked with four churches to provide a warm place for people to sleep if temperatures fall to dangerously cold levels.
Volunteers are needed to deliver meals, set up cots, check people in and stay overnight at the centers between Jan. 1 and Jan. 15, according to a release from the city.
"Knoxville is the home of the volunteers, and we see that volunteer spirit all over the place. And I'm seeing it here with the warming centers," said Erin Read, Executive Director of the Office of Housing Stability.
Leaders said helping at a center can not only impact those in need but also those who volunteer.
"I think what is going to happen when people start getting up close and personal and helping, setting up cots, giving people dinner, delivering meals, giving people breakfast is that they're going to realize that we're all community members, that we're all doing our best, and we have the chance to help each other," said Read.
The office also said it needs donations of sleeping bags, bedding, comforters and scrubs of all sizes. It also needs toiletries, socks and underwear. A release from the office said people who want to donate should reach out to the Knox Area Rescue Ministries at 865-673-6540.
According to the release, temperature thresholds to open warming centers vary by each site, and so do their schedules. Anyone who needs a warming center should reach out to the Knoxville Police Department non-emergency line to find the closest location to them. That phone number is 865-215-4010.
Anyone interested in volunteering at warming centers can reach out by calling 211, or by emailing the Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability at office@knoxtnhousing.org. Other organizations and church communities interested in opening warming centers can also reach out to the office by email.