Thomasville Warming Centers open for families to escape below freezing temps
{Contributed Photo: Unity United Methodist Church}
Due to extremely cold evening temperatures, Unity United Methodist Church and The Father's Storehouse Ministries in Thomasville will open overnight Emergency Warming Centers starting January 1st and continuing on through the coldest nights of the year. These centers will be operational as overnight temperatures are projected to drop between 19 and 25 degrees.
The purpose of these centers is to provide a safe, warm place for residents experiencing homelessness. The extreme cold and snow we often face can be very dangerous and potentially deadly for sleeping outdoors. This initiative reflects both church's commitment to ensuring a safe place to sleep during the coldest nights.
The Unity United Methodist Church will serve as a men's warming center, open from Wednesday, January 1st, through Saturday, January 4th, from 7 pm to 7 am. It will offer sleeping space, water, snacks, and coffee but will not serve full meals. The Father's Storehouse Ministries will open for women and children, providing hot and cold meals, water, and sleeping space for overnight residents starting January 1st through January 4th at 5:30 pm. Additional services will begin on January 6th.
Both centers have limited capacity, and staff, including security and an operational manager, will be on-site. Volunteers are needed to assist in this effort.
The center began operating at Unity Methodist Church, 608 National Highway, in November. It will remain open during freezing weather for an extended period, potentially lasting at least 12 days.
Donations fund both centers, and we have received generous support from the community. A wishlist is available on Amazon for those who wish to contribute, and the church covers any remaining costs. Although the capacity is 20 people, accommodations have grown as word spreads, and the maximum number of guests so far has been 8.
“When I first joined as an appointed leader in Thomasville, I conducted an assessment to understand the community's needs. With my background in working with the homeless, I noticed a significant gap in services in Thomasville,” Johnston said. “After discussing this issue with our congregation two years ago, we quickly opened the church to meet this urgent need. We have effectively coordinated to assist various segments of our community {with The Father’s Storehouse Ministries) without requiring separate spaces, creating a “blessed arrangement.”
To learn more about the two shelters, visit their respective Facebook pages.
