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Freezing weather warming resources in Athens-Clarke County

Athens-Clarke County is expected to experience cold temperatures in the coming days. A number of ongoing emergency resources and shelters are listed below, along with temporary resources. 

Temporary additional emergency shelter resources or warming stations at private locations or Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) facilities may be added during severe weather.  

For updates before, during, and after severe weather, visit www.accgov.com/weather. For updates about shelter and warming resources, including current listings of temporary warming or shelter sites, visit www.accgov.com/shelter or text ACCSHELTER to 888777 to receive SMS text messages about shelter locations.

Temporary Pop-Up Warming Site at Athens First United Methodist Church (Feb. 22-23)

  • Services: Warming site and donated goods distribution. This site does not offer overnight sleeping space.

  • 327 North Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 30601(Chapel area)

  • athensfirstumc.org

  • Sunday, February 22, 8:00 PM - Monday, February 23, 9:00 AM

Emergency Ongoing Shelter Resources

Resources may have limited days and hours for walk-in intakes, specific programs, and holidays. Contact the resources or visit their website or social media accounts for more information. 

Bigger Vision of Athens

  • Services: Emergency shelter for individuals (Call at 4:00 PM to reserve a bed)

  • 95 North Ave., Athens, GA 30601

  • 706-340-6062 ext. 2

  • biggervisionofathens.org

Salvation Army

Athens Area Homeless Shelter

  • Services: Emergency shelter for families with children

  • 620 Barber Street, Athens, GA 30601

  • 706-354-0423

  • helpathenshomeless.org/

Family Promise of Athens

  • Services: Emergency shelter for families with children

  • 205 Bray Street, Building 100, Athens, GA 30601(Day Center)

  • 706-425-1881

  • familypromiseathens.org/

Other Resources

Resources may have limited days and hours for walk-in intakes, specific programs, or holidays. Contact the resources or visit their website or social media accounts for more information.

The Sparrow’s Nest

  • Services: Homeless support services, free meals, clothes closet, showers, laundry

  • 745 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30606

  • www.sparrowsnestathens.org/

  • 706-549-6693

Homeless Day Service Center (Advantage Behavioral Health Systems)

  • Services: Homeless support services, showers, laundry

  • 240 North Ave., Athens, GA 30601

  • Monday through Friday: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

  • 706-354-1154 ext. 1700

  • advantagebhs.org/homeless-services/

Athens-Clarke County Library

  • 2025 Baxter Street, Athens GA 30606

  • 706-613-3650

  • Monday through Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM / Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM / Sunday: 2:00 - 6:00 PM

Preparing for Winter Weather

The ACCGov Emergency Management Agency reminds residents about steps that they can take to prepare for winter weather. 

Make Preparations

  • Make sure your home is well insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and windows to keep the warm air inside.

  • Familiarize yourself with the terms that are used to identify winter weather.

  • Have adequate clothing and blankets on hand to keep you warm.

  • Allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Disconnect outdoor water hoses and cover outside water fixtures.

  • Open cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate around uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

  • Know where the main water shutoff valve is located in your house in case pipes do freeze.

  • Fully winterize your vehicle and keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

  • Remove large tree branches that may get weighed down with ice or snow and fall on your house.

  • Make “Ready Kits” with basic essentials, including weather appropriate clothing and prescribed medications. Keep one at home and in the car.

Make a Plan 

  • Plan to stay inside and make it on your own, at least for a period of time.

  • Use space heaters as directed and plug directly into wall sockets, not into extension cords or power strips.

  • If you have a wood burning fireplace, consider storing wood to keep you warm if winter weather knocks out your heat. Also, make sure you have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year.

  • Winter storms are often accompanied by power outages. Always exercise caution when using alternative light and heating sources.

  • Use flashlights during power outages instead of candles to prevent the risk of fire. Have plenty of extra batteries on hand.

  • Never bring portable generators, camp stoves, and grills into your home; they should only be used outside at least 20 feet away from your home's windows, doors and vents to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • People who depend on electricity to operate medical equipment should have alternate arrangements in place in case power is out for an extended period of time.

  • Stay inside in extreme weather. Drive only if necessary.

Stay Informed 

  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed of winter weather watches and warnings.

  • Monitor commercial radio, television, alert apps, and the internet.

  • Keep in mind that during a severe winter storm it could be hours, or even days, before emergency personnel are able to reach you.

For more information on preparing for cold weather, visit accgov.com/weather.



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