KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — People without a safe place to sleep and stay warm will have a place to go in the Knoxville area as cold weather settles into East Tennessee. The Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability said it is working with four churches to open warming centers and make sure people have a place to sleep if temperatures fall to dangerous levels.
The office previously said it was searching for volunteers who wanted to help operate the warming centers. They said in a press release that volunteer response "has been robust so far," but also said it needed more volunteers in the South Knoxville and East Knoxville areas. The volunteers could expect to work between Jan. 15 and Jan. 19, or possibly longer depending on the weather.
The office said it needs volunteers to deliver meals, set up cots, check people in and stay overnight. Anyone who wants to volunteer can either call 211 or email the office at office@knoxtnhousing.org.
The warming centers are expected to be open during that timeframe, welcoming anyone without a place to stay. Schedules and temperature thresholds vary at each site. Anyone who needs a warming center can reach out to the Knoxville Police Department at 865-215-4010 to find the location nearest to them.
The office is also asking for donations of supplies such as sleeping bags, bedding, comforters and scrubs of all sizes. These donations can be used. The office asked people to only give donations of new toiletries, socks and underwear.
Anyone who wants to donate should reach out to the Knox Area Rescue Ministries at 865-673-6540, or by emailing info@karm.org.