Athens-Clarke County officials have announced a series of resources and shelters in response to the expected cold weather in the coming days and weeks. The local government, which operates as a consolidated city-county entity providing unified public services across Athens and Clarke County, is coordinating these efforts through various departments and facilities. More information about the city’s services can be found on its official website.
Additional emergency shelter resources or warming stations may be added at private locations or Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) facilities during severe weather events. Residents are encouraged to check for updates before, during, and after severe weather by visiting www.accgov.com/weather. Information about current shelter listings is available at www.accgov.com/shelter, or by texting ACCSHELTER to 888777 for SMS notifications.
A temporary pop-up warming site will open at the Multimodal Transportation Center located at 775 East Broad Street from Wednesday, January 14 at 5:00 PM until Thursday, January 15 at 9:00 AM. The lobby area will provide warming resources and distribute donated goods but does not offer overnight sleeping space.
Ongoing emergency shelter options include:
– Bigger Vision of Athens: Emergency shelter for individuals (call at 4:00 PM to reserve a bed), located at 95 North Ave.
– Salvation Army: Emergency shelter for families and individuals at 484 Hawthorne Ave.
– Athens Area Homeless Shelter: Emergency shelter for families with children at 620 Barber Street.
– Family Promise of Athens: Emergency shelter for families with children; day center located at 205 Bray Street, Building 100.
Other support services are also available:
– The Sparrow’s Nest offers homeless support services including free meals, clothing, showers, and laundry at 745 Prince Ave.
– Homeless Day Service Center (Advantage Behavioral Health Systems) provides support services Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM at 240 North Ave.
– Athens-Clarke County Library is open throughout the week with varying hours for those seeking warmth during operating times.
The ACCGov Emergency Management Agency advises residents to prepare their homes by insulating them well and ensuring adequate supplies such as clothing and blankets are on hand. They recommend allowing faucets to drip during cold weather to prevent freezing pipes, disconnecting outdoor hoses, covering outside fixtures, opening cabinet doors near exterior walls to allow heat circulation around pipes, knowing where main water shutoff valves are located in case of pipe freezes, winterizing vehicles, keeping gas tanks half full or more, removing large tree branches that could fall under ice or snow weight, and assembling “Ready Kits” with essentials.
Residents should plan ahead by staying indoors when possible during extreme conditions. Safety tips include using space heaters properly—plugged directly into wall sockets—and avoiding extension cords or power strips; storing wood if using fireplaces; exercising caution with alternative light sources; using flashlights instead of candles during outages; never bringing generators or grills inside due to carbon monoxide risks; making arrangements if dependent on electricity-powered medical equipment; and driving only if necessary.
To stay informed about changing conditions, residents are encouraged to listen to NOAA Weather Radio for alerts or monitor commercial radio, television stations, alert apps, and online sources. Severe storms may delay emergency personnel response times.
Further information on preparing for winter weather can be found on the official website of the City of Athens-Clarke County government.
