Anniston, AL – As freezing temperatures continue to grip the city, the City of Anniston is taking proactive measures to ensure the well-being of its residents. A public warming station will be operational at The Bridge, located at Anniston First United Methodist Church (1400 Noble St, Anniston, AL 36201) until Saturday, January 13, 2024.
The warming station will open its doors at 5:00 PM CST in the evenings and close at 8:00 AM CST in the mornings. It’s important to note that admission into the warming station ends each night at 9:00 PM CST. The City is prepared to extend the station’s hours if there are any changes in the weather forecast.
To stay updated on the status of the warming station, residents are encouraged to contact the local United Way via their 24/7 helpline by dialing 2-1-1.
Volunteer participation is crucial for the success of this initiative, especially in meal preparations for breakfasts and dinners. Those willing to contribute can sign up to assist by visiting the ‘The Bridge Warming Station’ Facebook Group or by reaching out to Kyle Bryan at kbryan@uweca.org, who represents the United Way of East Central Alabama. Additional information about various needs and opportunities at the station can also be obtained through this contact.
The warming station operates based on weather forecasts provided by the National Weather Service (NWS). It opens when temperatures are projected to be 36 degrees or below, taking into account various inclement weather conditions like rain. This ensures the safety and comfort of those relying on the warming station during these challenging weather conditions.
The initiative is a collaborative effort led by the City of Anniston’s Community Task Force on Homelessness. The project is facilitated by the United Way of East Central Alabama in partnership with Anniston First United Methodist Church, Interfaith Ministries of Calhoun County, MeMe’s Heart, and His Hands and Feet Ministries.
