Need a place to stay warm during the winter storm? Here’s where you can go on the MS Coast
Severe, cold temperatures are expected to hit Southern Mississippi this weekend and into next week as a winter storm nears the state, according to the National Weather Service New Orleans.
“Wind chills in the single digits to teens areawide Monday morning will be VERY dangerous! Take precautions!” the NWS said in a Jan. 23 post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
A day before, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced in a post on X that he declared a state of emergency in advance of the storm, warning people to stay off roads and watch the weather forecast.
“The state of Mississippi has deployed generators, pallets of water, roof tarps, blankets, pillows, and cots to counties that have requested them. Warming shelters are also being opened by counties,” Reeves said in the post.
Here’s what to know about cold weather shelters and where to find them on the Mississippi Coast as the temperature drops.
What is a cold weather shelter?
A cold weather shelter, or warming shelter, is a short-term emergency facility where people experiencing homelessness can go during extreme cold weather to stay warm.
These shelters are activated to help prevent people who lack heat from hypothermia and death during dangerously cold winter days and nights.
Where are cold weather shelters on the MS Coast?
Several cold weather shelters will be open along the Coast for people in need. Here’s where to find them and their hours:
The Salvation Army Center of Hope Cold Weather Shelter
Address: 2019 22nd street, Gulfport, MS 39501
Hours: 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., February 25 & 26 (dinner at 6:30 p.m. and doors close at 10 p.m. for lights out)
Offerings: Hot dinner, light breakfast, beverages and a shelter
Kenny Fournier Multipurpose Center
Address: 10395 Automall Parkway, D’Iberville, MS 39540
Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 7 a.m., February 25 & 26 (dinner at 6 p.m. There is no lock out time)
Offerings: Hot dinner, shelter
Address: 18320 Hwy 43, Kiln, MS 39556
Hours: 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., February 25-28
Offerings: shelter
Ways to help people in need during the cold weather in MS
Many cold weather shelters look for volunteers and donations when they open. The Salvation Army lists the following ways community members can help:
Donate blankets, hot meal items, easy to prepare and serve meals, non-perishable food, hand warmers, hats and gloves. Drop off at 2019 22nd Street in Gulfport or call 228-374-8301 to arrange a drop off.
To volunteer, see the website for contact information.
