Warming centers opening in metro Atlanta

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — Those who need a place to rest and get out of the cold have options in metro Atlanta.

Strong wind is making the frigid temperatures feel even colder, according to Severe Weather Team 2.

Here are the areas opening warming centers.

Atlanta

The mayor’s office said three warming centers will open on the following schedule, with activation times subject to change based on the National Weather Service forecast:

from Thursday at 8 p.m. to Friday at 11 a.m.
from Friday at 8 p.m. to Saturday at 9 a.m.
from Saturday at 8 p.m. to Sunday at 2 p.m.

The following shelters will be open:

Old Adamsville Recreation Center at 3404 Delmar Ln NW
Rev. James Orange Park and Recreation Center at 1305 Oakland Ln. SW
Selena S. Butler Park and Recreation Center at 98 William Holmes Borders Dr. NE (Women and children only)

Transportation will be provided nightly at 8 p.m. from the Gateway Center, with return transportation provided by Fulton County from the Gateway Center upon the center’s deactivation.

Cherokee County

Local Woodstock-area churches, in partnership with the Homeless Coalition of Cherokee County, are joining together to open the emergency warming station on Thursday at His Hands Church, 550 Molly Lane, Woodstock, across the street from Lowe’s.

All are welcome. Guests may arrive between 6 and 8 p.m. Thursday and leave by 8 a.m. Friday.

For questions or additional information, call 770-406-6161.

DeKalb County

DeKalb County will activate warming centers beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday continuing through Monday.

The following centers will be overnight locations on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday:

Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Dr., Decatur
Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Rd SE, Atlanta
St. Vincent de Paul, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Rd, Chamblee
Thursday only: Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Dr, Decatur

The following locations will be open on Saturday, Sunday and Monday for 24 hour activations:

Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Rd SE, Atlanta
Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Dr, Decatur

St. Vincent de Paul at 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road, Chamblee will be open for 24 hour activations on Saturday & Sunday only. It will return to overnight operations only on Monday.

South Fulton

To address immediate needs, Burdett Park is now open as a warming location. It is operating with limited resources and capacity and is intended to provide short-term relief.

Shuttle transportation will be available from Burdett Park to nearby facilities offering full overnight shelter services, subject to availability.

City officials said they are working closely with emergency management agencies, nonprofit service providers and neighboring jurisdictions to ensure continuity of care and access to safe, heated spaces throughout this weather event.

Guests using warming centers are asked to follow standard emergency shelter protocols:

Do:

Follow directions from shelter staff, volunteers, and security personnel
Treat all guests and staff with respect
Keep personal belongings consolidated and manageable
Arrive early, as capacity may be limited

Do not:

Bring weapons, illegal substances or alcohol
Engage in disruptive, unsafe, or threatening behavior
Smoke, vape or use open flames inside facilities
Bring pets unless the site is designated as pet-friendly
Expect overnight accommodations at limited-resource locations

The City urges residents to check on neighbors, family members and others who may be vulnerable during this cold period. Those encountering someone at risk are encouraged to direct them to a warming center or contact local non-emergency services.

Life-threatening emergencies should be reported by calling 911.

Weather conditions may change, and shelter operations may be expanded or retracted as needed, the city said. They encouraged the public to monitor forecasts, official city communications and trusted media outlets for the most current information.

For more information, visit www.cityofsouthfultonga.gov.

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