Warming shelters open in metro Atlanta due to freezing temperatures

ATLANTA - Temperatures are slated to plummet across North Georgia by about 40 degrees from Sunday going into the start of the work week.

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Warming shelters in metro Atlanta

What we know:

Multiple communities are opening warming and overnight shelters for those in need. If you plan to go, you should try to call ahead to make sure that they are accepting people and to see if a new shelter opened closer to you.

Atlanta

The City of Atlanta will open two warming centers as temperatures drop Tuesday night. Both sites will operate from 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11.

• Central Park Recreation Center, 400 Merritts Ave. NE
• Old Adamsville Recreation Center, 3404 Delmar Ln. NW

Transportation will depart nightly at 8 p.m. from the Gateway Center, with return rides provided by Fulton County after deactivation. Hours may adjust with changing weather forecasts.

Carroll County

Carroll County officials are opening a warming shelter as temperatures drop across the area. 

Impact West Georgia, located at 411 N. Park Street in Carrollton, will serve as a safe place for anyone needing warmth and shelter Monday night, Nov. 10, and Tuesday night, Nov. 11. The facility opens each evening at 5 p.m.

Cobb County

MUST Ministries is opening its Winter Weather Shelter from Monday, Nov. 10, through Tuesday, Nov. 11, for women, children, and men in need of a warm place to stay.

All guests must arrive by 8 p.m. to stay overnight and will receive dinner and a hot breakfast. The shelter is located at 1297 Bells Ferry Road in Marietta.

Transportation will be available at 5 p.m. from Reflections of Trinity, 4037 Austell-Powder Springs Road in Powder Springs.

Residents can help by donating at bit.ly/MUSTMDonate or by purchasing items from the Amazon wish list. Officials ask the community to help spread the word.

College Park

Mayor Bianca Motley Broom announced that the city will open its warming station for residents seeking shelter from the cold. The station will operate Monday night and Tuesday night at the Public Safety Complex, located at 3717 College St. Officials are asking residents to help spread the word.

Dawson County

With temperatures expected to drop overnight, an emergency warming center will open tonight, Nov. 10, from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. at Crossbridge Church, 680 Highway 53 in Dawsonville.

Anyone in need of a safe, warm place to stay is welcome. Light refreshments will be provided.

Those needing transportation can contact Crossbridge Community Church at 706-216-3138. Officials urge residents to help spread the word to anyone who may need shelter from the cold.

DeKalb County

The county says the centers will be open Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the following locations:

• Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Rd. SE, Atlanta
• St. Vincent de Paul, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Rd., Chamblee
• Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Dr., Decatur
• Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Dr., Decatur
• Golden Door Warming Center (for women and children), 2944 Ember Dr., Decatur

Transportation begins at 6 p.m. with routes throughout the county. Final pickups conclude by 10 p.m. Hot meals, cots, and case management services will be available nightly at Frontline Response International.

For transportation assistance, call Frontline Response Dispatch at 404-334-3610. Walk-ins are welcome at 2585 Gresham Rd. SE starting at noon each activation day.

Forest Park

With subfreezing temperatures expected overnight, the City of Forest Park will open a cold weather warming station for individuals and families in need.

The Forest Park Recreation Center at 803 Forest Parkway will open at Monday at 9 p.m. and stay open until 8 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11.

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Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County will open warming stations to provide overnight relief for residents when temperatures drop to 35 degrees or below. Visitors will be able to warm up, eat a meal, and get some rest. The stations will operate nightly from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.

• Buford Senior Center, 2755 Sawnee Ave, Buford 30518
• Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth 30096
• Best Friend Park Gym, 6224 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross 30071
• Centerville Senior Center, 3025 Bethany Church Rd, Snellville 30039
• Lawrenceville Senior Center, 225 Benson St, Lawrenceville 30046

Residents can find locations or additional details at GwinnettCounty.com/WarmingStations or by calling 770-822-8850.

Union City

The City of Union City will open the Etris-Darnell Senior Center as an emergency overnight warming shelter for residents in need Monday, Nov. 10, from 6:30 p.m. until 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11.

City officials remind residents that alcohol and drug use are prohibited, and noise levels must remain respectful.

For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at (770) 892-6288 or Fire Headquarters at (770) 515-7880.

Did we miss a shelter? Email newstipsatlanta@fox.com to let us know.

Warming shelters: What to bring

What you can do:

Some general rules of thumb when heading to a warming shelter:

Identification and essentials

• Government-issued ID, if available.
• Emergency contacts written on paper (phones can die or lose signal).
• Any required medications, plus dosage list.
• Health insurance card or copy (if you have one).
• Cash or small change for vending or transit.

Clothing and comfort

• Warm layers (coat, hat, gloves, socks, extra shirt).
• Blanket or small sleeping bag if possible.
• Comfortable shoes suitable for walking or standing in cold conditions.
• Small towel or washcloth.

Food and personal items

• Snacks or non-perishable food (especially if you have dietary restrictions).
• Reusable water bottle.
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, wipes, and other basic hygiene items.
• Face mask and hand sanitizer.

For families

• Diapers, formula, or child food if needed.
• Small toys, coloring books, or comfort items for children.
• Stroller or baby carrier.

For pet owners

• Check first if the shelter allows pets; some require pets to stay in carriers.
• Bring a leash, carrier, food, and vaccination records.
• Note that only some shelters allow pets, but all will allow legitimate working animals.

Other tips

• Arrive early, before the coldest hours of the night.
• Follow staff instructions and posted rules.
• Let someone know where you’re staying if possible.
• Avoid bringing valuables, alcohol, or weapons (they are prohibited at most sites)

It is best to call ahead, when possible, for rules and restrictions.

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