With temperatures forecast to dip into the 30’s Thursday night, the Salvation Army met on Thursday with representatives of the Community Kitchen, the Chattanooga Rescue Mission, and the Union Gospel Mission to prepare a cold weather plan to ensure additional shelter space is available for the homeless.
“In hot weather, we usually require an additional 24 – 36 beds for the homeless each night,” said Charlie Hughes of the Community Kitchen. “Now with the colder weather arriving, the level of emergency escalates, and we know we’ll need many more beds than that!”
The Salvation Army will join the Community Kitchen in providing overflow shelter on Thursday night. Chattanooga Salvation Army Area Commander Major Jim Lawrence said, “As long as there is need, we will keep our shelter doors open to do all we can to help the homeless in Christ’s name.”
The Union Gospel Mission, Chattanooga Rescue Mission, Community Kitchen and the Salvation Army agreed in Thursday’s meeting that this winter, when temperatures go below 40 degrees, emergency shelters will be opened for homeless families and individuals.
The agencies also stated they all are in immediate need of donations of coats, blankets, scarves, hats and gloves for the homeless.
All donations of goods are being accepted at the following locations:
-The Salvation Army, 800 McCallie Avenue
-The Community Kitchen, 727 East 11th Street
-The Chattanooga Rescue Mission, 924 East 8th Street
-The Union Gospel Mission, 124 Signal Hills Drive
For additional information, please call 423 756-1023.