THOMASVILLE, N.C. — As temperatures fall into the low twenties and teens this week, a Thomasville church is making sure people who need it have a warm place to stay.
In Thomasville, there is no permanent homeless shelter in the city. The closest one is about 12 miles away in Lexington.
While the city has discussed opening one, those plans haven't come to fruition, according to Reverend Lisa Johnston.
“Of course, Thomasville does need a permanent shelter, and the discussions have happened with city officials," Johnston said. "And at this time, we don’t have any plans for that on the table.”
But the Unity United Methodist Church in Thomasville is trying to help. Starting Tuesday, they are opening up an overnight warming center for men.
Rev. Johnston said the church has been trying to open a temporary shelter for a while, but they do not yet have the permits to do so. However, when the cold weather hit, she knew she had to do something to help.
“When this cold weather/spell came up, I approached my congregation about the fact that this is life-threatening weather. It’s an extended period of cold which makes it much more dangerous," she said. "So, they gave unanimous approval for us to go forward with a warming center, which we’re able to do at this time.”
Volunteers will stay overnight to run the center, which will provide up to 20 men with access to heat, snacks, water, coffee, games, blankets and other supplies. Thanks to volunteers, extra snacks coffee and blankets will even be available for people to take with them when they leave.
From Tuesday until Friday, the church will be open from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. for any men who need a warm place to stay. Based on attendance Rev. Johnston said they'll assess whether to keep the warming center open.
“We’re going to base it on what we see this week and see what the need is," she said.
While women won't be able to stay at Unity UMC, they do have the option across the street. The Father's Storehouse Ministries has been operating a temporary women's and children's shelter for about a month, and they still have beds available for those in need.
Rev. Johnston said both sites are just hoping to provide a sanctuary for those who may need it during this time.
“Our opportunity here is not only to offer lifesaving warmth, but also offer a moment for them to step out of survival mode," Johnston said. "To experience maybe a few of the creature comforts of home and relax and feel safe.”
Neither shelter is a long-term solution, but Johnston said she hopes that by opening her doors, a permanent solution will come in the future.