Preparing for Winter After a Setback

The Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability is seeking one or two additional partners for the coming winter warming-center network.

North Knoxville Baptist Church had planned to participate, but fire damage has prevented it from serving as a warming center this season.

City and county partners are working to fill the gap before the coldest weather arrives.

Who Is Participating

Returning partners include Church Street United Methodist Church, Cokesbury United Methodist Church and Eternal Life Harvest Center.

St. James Episcopal Church is joining the network, according to the October 21 announcement.

Eternal Life Harvest Center's Western Avenue location will have expanded capacity.

Exact availability and locations during an activation should be confirmed through the Office of Housing Stability.

How Warming Centers Work

Temporary warming centers are intended to supplement year-round emergency shelter and seasonal shelter resources during extremely cold weather.

The Office of Housing Stability says the centers activate when overnight temperatures are forecast to reach 25 degrees Fahrenheit or below, subject to volunteer capacity.

Organizations considering participation undergo life-safety and operational review to help keep overnight guests safe.

How Community Groups Can Help

The office is inviting congregations and community organizations to explore becoming overnight warming-center partners.

A suitable facility needs more than an open door: volunteer staffing, safe exits, occupancy planning and coordination with public agencies are important.

Interested organizations should reach out to the Office of Housing Stability for current requirements.

The priority is to arrange dependable shelter capacity before dangerous temperatures arrive.