As frigid temps return to East Tennessee, First Baptist Church of Maryville is opening its doors Thursday and Friday night to help people in need of a warm place to stay.
The United Way of Blount County said the church will open as a warming shelter at 7 p.m. Thursday and remain open until Friday morning at 7 a.m. It will then open again at 7 p.m. Friday and remain open until 7 a.m. Saturday.
The church is located at at 202 West Lamar Alexander Parkway. Evening meals and breakfast will be provided.
Very cold temperatures with wind chills in the teens will arrive Thursday and remain through Friday.
Drew Goins with First Baptist said he hopes the shelter shows homeless people the Maryville community cares about them.
"Christ calls us to love, and if that's giving them a warm belly and a warm place to stay, then that's what I want them to leave with, the hope and love of Jesus Christ," Goins said.
