Extended Hours for Emergency Shelter Amid Cold Weather

The Office of Homeless Services extends emergency shelter hours in response to winter conditions.

The Office of Homeless Services (OHS) has announced an extension of operating hours for the emergency overflow shelter, starting this evening. The shelter will be open from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. daily from Friday, January 10, through Sunday, January 12, to accommodate guests during the colder overnight temperatures.

In collaboration with Nashville Rescue Mission and Room In The Inn, OHS will provide daytime shelter services until 3:00 p.m. This arrangement allows guests to transition seamlessly to the Metro Overflow Shelter when it reopens at 4:00 p.m.

This initiative is part of a plan reviewed by the Homelessness Planning Council in Spring 2024. The overflow shelter will temporarily close from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day for cleaning and sanitization, ensuring a safe environment for both staff and guests.

“Our priority is the health and safety of everyone using and working at the shelter,” stated April Calvin, Director of the Office of Homeless Services. The OHS will continue to monitor weather conditions and make necessary adjustments to shelter operations, especially during events like Friday’s anticipated winter storm.

Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed at WeGo Central to assist individuals in finding bus routes. Sign up via Hands On Nashville.

Transportation Services:

– WeGo Central (400 Charlotte Avenue): Arrive by 6:30 p.m. for the #23B bus, departing from Bay 24.

– Free Shuttle Service: Includes stops in West Nashville, Nolensville Pike Walmart, and Hermitage. Morning bus passes will be provided for return transportation.

Stay Informed:

– Text Alerts: To receive updates on shelter openings, text OHSALERT to 888-777.

– Hotline: For more information, call 615-862-6391.

For the latest emergency warnings and weather updates, follow The Office of Emergency Management @NashvilleEOC on X (formerly known as Twitter) and monitor local news reports.

Source: Read Original Release

Knoxville Offers Free Transit to Warming Centers

Knoxville Area Transit is providing free transportation to warming centers in partnership with the Knoxville–Knox County Office of Housing Stability from January 6 to January 11, 2025, due to expected cold temperatures. The initiative aims to ensure community access to warm shelters, with several local churches and a Salvation Army site offering overnight accommodations. Passengers can use KAT routes to reach these locations by informing bus operators of their intention to use the free service. For more information, visit the Knoxville Area Transit News Page.