KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — As temperatures plummeted below freezing in the first days of December, warming centers in Knoxville and surrounding areas have been working around the clock to provide shelter to those in need. At Vestal Church in South Knoxville, volunteers are managing a significantly smaller capacity compared to last winter.
“This year, it took us by surprise,” said Anthony Jackson, a volunteer coordinator at the church. “We weren’t ready.”
Due to new regulations, the Vestal warming center can now accommodate only 15 people, down from 60 beds offered in January. Additionally, the centers are required to open only when temperatures fall below 26 degrees.
“We actually maxed out as soon as we opened at 6 p.m.,” Jackson said. “As soon as the door opened, we were at capacity.”
Meanwhile, in Blount County, First Baptist Church in Maryville continues to serve as the only available shelter for those in need. A white flag waving outside the church signals the urgency for people to seek warmth and safety.
“It means it’s dangerous outside,” said Phil Hoffman, the organizer for the center. “You need to surrender to some warmth and someplace safe to sleep.”
Both warming centers depend heavily on donations and volunteers to stay open, especially as the cold weather continues. Volunteers at Vestal Church are working tirelessly to ensure that those in need are provided with blankets, pillows and other essentials.
“We have to replace 15 blankets and 15 pillows every time someone leaves, which we’ll do as many times as we need to,” Jackson said. “But we need help to make that happen.”
The centers are calling for donations of blankets, volunteer support and help spreading the word to those who might not know about the available shelter. Jackson emphasized the importance of treating individuals with dignity.
“These are human beings,” Jackson said. “These are people first, and we should treat them as we would our sons, daughters, moms, brothers, and sisters. When we get them into housing, they become productive members of society.”
A spokesperson with Knox Area Rescue Ministries also said 331 people also stayed in emergency dorms Tuesday night. The centers will continue to be open as long as temperatures are 25 and below.