The Metro Nashville Office of Homeless Services, in partnership with various Metro departments, is preparing to open emergency shelters in anticipation of a week of low temperatures. These shelters will be activated daily, based on weather conditions, with decisions announced by noon.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell expressed gratitude towards the organizations involved in providing shelter during cold weather. He emphasized the importance of public assistance in volunteering at WeGo Central to guide those seeking shelter. The Office of Homeless Services is committed to connecting individuals with necessary resources, according to Director April Calvin.
The emergency shelters are scheduled to open from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2, and Tuesday, December 3. Last week, shelters were open from Friday, November 29, to Sunday, December 1, serving up to 155 individuals each night.
Located at 3230 Brick Church Pike, the Metro Emergency Shelter will operate from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. It will be activated when temperatures reach or fall below 32°F for three consecutive hours, providing hot meals, snacks, a warm sleeping area, and pet-friendly accommodations.
Transportation arrangements include the #23B bus from WeGo Central, departing at 6:30 PM from Bay 24, and a free shuttle service with stops at Brookmeade, Nolensville Pike Walmart, and Hermitage. Morning bus passes will be provided for return transportation.
Additional shelter options include the Launch Pad Emergency Shelter for young adults aged 18-24 in an LGBTQ+ affirming environment, with details available on the Launch Pad website. Regular emergency shelters at Room In The Inn and Nashville Rescue Mission are also accessible.
Volunteer opportunities are available at WeGo Central to assist with bus route directions, and hygiene product donations are accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at 3230 Brick Church Pike. Volunteers can sign up via Hands On Nashville.
For updates on shelter openings, residents can sign up for text alerts by texting OHSALERT to 888-777 or call the hotline at 615-862-6391. Additional information is available on the Nashville Office of Homeless Services website, @OHSNashville on Twitter, @OHSNashville on Instagram, and Office of Homeless Services Nashville on Facebook.
Metro is dedicated to maintaining the safety and well-being of all residents during extreme weather conditions. For the latest emergency warnings and weather updates, visit the Office of Emergency Management’s website.
Source: Read Original Release
Nashville Police Advise Safe Holiday Parking
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department is advising residents to take extra precautions when parking their vehicles during the holiday season due to a high number of gun thefts, with 819 firearms stolen from vehicles this year in Nashville. Despite a 25% decrease in gun thefts compared to last year, the MNPD has launched a special initiative that has resulted in 950 arrests and the recovery of 508 stolen vehicles and 199 firearms. Residents are encouraged to lock car doors, remove keys, and keep valuables out of sight to prevent thefts. For further information and crime prevention tips, residents can visit the MNPD’s website or view the Interactive Crime Maps for updates.