KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Temperatures are decreasing this week with arctic winds, including possible rain chances coming into East Tennessee during the winter weather. WATE 6 Storm Team is monitoring the area as the change in temperatures continues.
For those who need a place to stay warm in East Tennessee, some organizations and communities are opening their doors to the public.
Knox County
The Foyer: A Low-Barrier Housing-Focused Overnight Emergency Shelter
Located in the old thrift store on the grounds of the Salvation Army with oversight, staffing and management by the Volunteer Ministry Center.
- Location: 409 North Broadway, Knoxville, Tenn.
Knox Area Rescue Ministries
This Christian-based nonprofit’s mission is to provide recovery efforts for anyone in need. They are also asking the public to donate clothing, hygiene and other items for those finding shelter during the cold weather.
- Location: 418 North Broadway, Knoxville, Tenn.
Salvation Army
Mayor Indya Kincannon shared on Thursday night that the city was partnering with the Salvation Army and Knox County to set up a large warming tent at the Salvation Army. Kincannon said the space will have lighting and heat for those in the cold to find warms and retreat from the dangerously cold weather. The tent is planned to be open from Thursday night, December 22 through the following Tuesday morning.
- Location: 409 N. Broadway, Knoxville, Tenn.
Blount County
First Baptist Church in Maryville
The church in Maryville will have its doors open from Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. through Dec. 26 at 7 a.m. Meals will also be provided for anyone in Blount County. They hope to help those who need warm shelter during cold temperatures.
- Location: 202 West Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, Tenn.
Monroe County
Due to the freezing temperatures the next few days, Monore County Sheriff Tommy Jones said Thursday night that the front jail lobby will be open Friday through Monday 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. as a warming shelter. The days may be extended depending on the weather. Please call the Monroe County Sheriffs Office at 423-442-3911 or Monroe County EMA at 423-519-7100 for more information.
- Location: 4500 New Hwy 68, Suite 1 Madisonville, TN 37354
Hamblen County
First Presbyterian Church Morristown
This church will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, through Sunday.
- Location: 600 W Main Street, Morristown, Tenn.
MATS Shelter
This shelter will be open from 8 p.m. – 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, through Sunday.
- Location: 733 W Main Street
Cocke County
The Cocke County Emergency Management Agency shared late Thursday the following information on warming shelters: “By now we are hopeful that our citizens have made arrangements for their families should there be a disruption of power. As hope is not a course of action and you may not have an alternate location, our Volunteer Fire Departments are stepping up to serve the people within their provinces.”
Warming shelter locations are established as:
Centerview VFD
Station 1
210 Turner Ridge Road
Newport, TN. 37821
Cosby VFD
Station 1
3292 Cosby Hwy
Cosby, TN. 37722
Del Rio VFD
Station 1
480 South Hey 107
Del Rio, TN. 37727
Grassy Fork VFD
Station 1
4110 Big Creek Rd
Hartford, TN. 37753
Longcreek VFD
Station 1
924 Gunter Corner Rd
Parrottsville, TN. 37843
Parrottsville
Station 1
2059 Old Parrottsville Hwy
Parrottsville, TN. 37843
Editor’s Note: This story will be updated as more emergency shelter (for weather) options are available.
