With temperatures projected to drop below freezing as far south as Mobile on Monday and Tuesday, many cities in Alabama are preparing to protect their neediest citizens from the cold.
Birmingham and Montgomery both announced warming centers will be open on Monday and Tuesday nights.
Charities across the state have put out a call for blankets, bottled water, jackets, toiletries and any other supplies that can help underprivileged citizens in their time of need.
The Salvation Army has 20 locations across Alabama that do various types of work for the needy, including providing shelter from the cold. Citizens can find the chapter nearest them here.
Birmingham’s warming center is in the Boutwell Auditorium at 1930 Rev. Abraham Woods Blvd. It will be open from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. for two days.
One Roof is a charity that aims to fight homelessness in the Birmingham/Central Alabama region. Those in that area wanting to donate money can go here, and those seeking to donate items can contact the organization here.
In Huntsville, Downtown Rescue Mission runs the largest center that the needy can use to get warm. Many other smaller warming stations have closed due to the risk of coronavirus transmission.
“Even if we have to put more mats out, if we have to use a gym as an area for putting people to sleep, we won’t be closing our doors or shutting it down for anybody. If somebody is out there and they’re cold, they’re going to find a place, they can come to Downtown Rescue Mission,” Downtown Rescue Mission CEO Keith Overholt told WHNT.
Downtown Rescue Mission has a guide to what items are in need that can be found here; monetary donations to the organization can be given here.
Additionally, the North Alabama Coalition for the Homeless has provided a database of churches and organizations collecting blankets and cold weather gear for the homeless.
In Montgomery, the city is opening the Montgomery Therapeutic Recreation Center on 604 Augusta Avenue as a warming center on Monday and Tuesday beginning at 3:00 p.m.
Those in Central Alabama seeking to help the homeless can give a donation to the Mid Alabama Coalition for the Homeless here.
Anyone in the River Region who wants to donate blankets, clothes or supplies can contact the Coalition here.
Housing First, Inc. is dedicated to helping the homeless in Mobile and Baldwin counties, and a financial donation to the organization can be made here.
Those in the coastal areas of Alabama interested in making a donation of clothes or supplies can find a list of agencies here.
Charitable resources for those in Northwest Alabama — including the Shoals — can be found via the Homeless Care Council of NW Alabama.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.
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