Temperatures are slated to plummet across North Georgia by about 40 degrees from Sunday going into the start of the work week.
Warming shelters in metro Atlanta
Multiple communities are opening warming and overnight shelters for those in need. If you plan to go, you should try to call ahead to make sure that they are accepting people and to see if a new shelter opened closer to you.
DeKalb County
The county says the centers will be open Sunday, Monday and Tuesday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the following locations:
- Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Rd, Atlanta
- St. Vincent de Paul, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Rd, Chamblee
- Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340 McConnell Dr, Decatur
- Exchange Recreation Center / Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Dr, Decatur
- Golden Door Warming Center (Women & Children), 2944 Ember Dr, Decatur
Cobb County
The MUST Ministries Hope House will open its warming station on Monday, November 10, and Tuesday, November 11, in preparation for the onset of cold weather. We will be providing shelter services for men, women, and children. The Hope House shelter is located at 1297 Bells Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30066. The Hope House shelter is located at 1297 Bells Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30066.
NEED HELP WITH UTILITIES? CLICK HERE FOR MORE
Gwinnett County
Gwinnett County will open warming stations to provide overnight relief for residents when temperatures drop to 35 degrees or below. Visitors will be able to warm up, eat a meal, and get some rest. The stations will operate nightly from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Buford Senior Center, 2755 Sawnee Ave, Buford 30518
- Shorty Howell Park Activity Building, 2750 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth 30096
- Best Friend Park Gym, 6224 Jimmy Carter Blvd, Norcross 30071
- Centerville Senior Center, 3025 Bethany Church Rd, Snellville 30039
- Lawrenceville Senior Center, 225 Benson St, Lawrenceville 30046
Did we miss a shelter? Email newstipsatlanta@fox.com to let us know.
Warming shelters: What to bring
Some general rules of thumb when heading to a warming shelter:
Identification and essentials
- Government-issued ID, if available.
- Emergency contacts written on paper (phones can die or lose signal).
- Any required medications, plus dosage list.
- Health insurance card or copy (if you have one).
- Cash or small change for vending or transit.
Clothing and comfort
- Warm layers (coat, hat, gloves, socks, extra shirt).
- Blanket or small sleeping bag if possible.
- Comfortable shoes suitable for walking or standing in cold conditions.
- Small towel or washcloth.
Food and personal items
- Snacks or non-perishable food (especially if you have dietary restrictions).
- Reusable water bottle.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, wipes, and other basic hygiene items.
- Face mask and hand sanitizer.
For families
- Diapers, formula, or child food if needed.
- Small toys, coloring books, or comfort items for children.
- Stroller or baby carrier.
For pet owners
- Check first if the shelter allows pets; some require pets to stay in carriers.
- Bring a leash, carrier, food, and vaccination records.
- Note that only some shelters allow pets, but all will allow legitimate working animals.
Other tips
- Arrive early, before the coldest hours of the night.
- Follow staff instructions and posted rules.
- Let someone know where you’re staying if possible.
- Avoid bringing valuables, alcohol, or weapons (they are prohibited at most sites)
It is best to call ahead, when possible, for rules and restrictions.
