Metro Atlanta warming centers open as freezing temperatures grip region

As temperatures fall below freezing across metro Atlanta, warming centers are opening to provide overnight shelter for people facing dangerous winter conditions.

One such center, operated by Tucker First United Methodist Church, began welcoming guests over the weekend ahead of the winter storm. By Monday evening, the facility had already reached capacity as more people sought relief from the cold.

For Kareem, a 65-year-old man who has been unhoused for the past two years, the warming center has become a critical lifeline.

“This warming center is a heaven-sent for everyone out here, including me,” he said.

Before arriving at the church, Kareem spent nights sleeping outside a nearby grocery store. Now, he has access to a warm bed, showers, clean laundry and hot meals — services the center provides to every guest.

“They let us have a shower, do our laundry, and have a nice hot meal,” he said.

The warming center opens whenever temperatures drop below 30 degrees, and Kareem says he plans to stay until conditions improve.

Operating the center is a round-the-clock community effort. Billy Bachman, a lead volunteer at the church, said volunteers work in three-person shifts to keep the center running.

“No one gets paid,” Bachman said, adding that all meals are donated by local supporters.

Even when the center reaches capacity, Bachman said no one is turned away on dangerously cold nights. Staff coordinate with Frontline, DeKalb County’s homeless services agency, to help locate additional shelter space when needed.

“We will never send someone out on the street on a super cold night,” Bachman said.

Advocates say warming centers can be lifesaving during extreme cold. Residents in need of shelter are encouraged to monitor local government updates and community resources for available locations as temperatures remain dangerously low.