Temperatures began dropping below 32 degrees which means volunteers began staffing the warming center in Gilmer
County.
“It would have to be 32 or below for more than half the night,” said Jackie Watson, who oversees the warming center with Rachel Tarr. “We are a warming center, not a shelter.”
To operate the center, which is located at the Gilmer County Civic Center at River Park, it requires at least two volunteers, one male and one female, to be present. Both must be at least 18 years old.
“We’re just running short of volunteers,” said Watson.
Flexible scheduling where people take different parts of a shift is something they have begun attempting. The center opens at 4 p.m. and closes at 7 a.m. Watson said some people cannot stay the night.
“That seems to help out,” she said.
Prospective volunteers are encouraged to contact Watson or Tarr and set up a visit where they can shadow an experienced volunteer.
“I think it removes some of the fear,” Watson said.
Brand-new volunteers are never paired, there is always an experienced volunteer as part of the crew.
New Beginnings, a coalition of community members representing churches and organizations throughout the county, is the organization operating the center.
“This is our fourth year,” said Watson.
Normally the shelter averages two to five guests when open.
“Since last Friday, we have averaged five,” Watson said.
Two years ago, during the big snow storm, 20 people used the shelter.
“That was a very rare situation,” Watson said.
A wedding party brought food from their reception to help feed the crowd.
“We do really well with people volunteering food,” she said.
Pets are welcome at the center. Crates and food are provided.
Men sleep on cots on one side of the gym, and women on the other side.
Watson said the center will be open the rest of this week judging by the forecast temperatures. More volunteers are needed.
To volunteer or for more information, contact Jackie Watson at 404-909-3275 or email Aspmaw3049@yahoo.com.