LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — In anticipation of dangerous cold that is expected to move into Arkansas over the weekend and into early next week, cities and organizations are planning to open their doors for people seeking refuge from the freezing temperatures.
BENTON
Northside Church of Christ, located at 917 N. East St. in Benton, is scheduled to open a warming center starting at 5 p.m. Sunday. Volunteers are encouraged to help operate the shelter. Those interested can call (501) 528-9668 or email salinewarmingcenter@gmail.com.
Donations of pillows, blankets, towels, jackets, bottled water, toiletries, eating utensils, cleaning supplies, and new undergarments are also being collected. Supplies can be dropped of at the Saline County Courthouse gazebo at 200 N. Main St. or the Bryant Fire Station No. 1 at 312 Roya Lane.
CONWAY
Conway is opening three warming centers across the city for residents needing a safe place. They include:
Don Owen Sports Center
10 Lower Ridge Rd, Conway, AR
Mon-Sat – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sun – 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.
(501) 450-6186
No pets.
McGee Center
3800 College Ave, Conway, AR
Mon-Sat – 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sun – 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
(501) 513-3586
*Closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day
No pets.
Conway Emergency Shelter
1116 Gum St, Conway, AR
24/7
Check In – 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
(501) 358-6676
18 years and older. First come, first served. No pets.
“We encourage those in need to utilize these facilities and remind everyone to look out for their loved ones and neighbors during the challenging time ahead,” the city wrote on Facebook.
FORT SMITH
There will be three centers open in Fort Smith for when temperatures dips below 32 degrees. They are:
Salvation Army
504 North D Street
(479) 783-6145
Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Next Step Homeless Services
123 North 6th Street
(479) 782-5433
Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Riverview Hope Campus*
301 South E Street
(479) 668-4764
Every day: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
*Hope Campus is also operating as an emergency overnight shelter.
JACKSONVILLE
First Presbyterian Church at 1208 W. Main St. in Jacksonville will be open beginning Friday evening through Sunday. Times of their warming center will from 6 p.m. through 6 a.m. each night.
Police warned that no one will be allowed to enter if they are intoxicated or have alcohol or drugs. They also said no one is allowed to come and go from the church.
Volunteers are also being requested to assist with the shelter. Those interested can sign up for two different shifts: 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. or 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Call (501) 596-1144 or (501) 982-2876 to sign up.
HOT SPRINGS
People in Hot Springs will be able to seek shelter in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church‘s emergency warming shelter beginning Friday through Wednesday. The church, located at 1100 Central Ave, is also seeking volunteers to help operate the shelter during the cold temperatures. CLICK HERE to sign up to help.
LITTLE ROCK
Beginning 6 a.m. on Saturday, the East Little Rock Community Center will open a 24-hour emergency shelter. Located at 2500 E. Sixth St., the city said the shelter would remain open as needed throughout the weekend and into early next week. Those in need of transportation to the shelter are encouraged to call The Van at (501) 955-3444 to arrange transportation.
“As we prepare for the extremely cold weather and the possibility of winter precipitation, we want to make sure residents have a safe, warm place to stay. East Little Rock Community Center will be open beginning Saturday night for anyone who needs shelter,” said Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. “We are grateful for our partnership with The Van and for the City staff, volunteers and community partners who work to help our friends and neighbors during winter weather events.”
NORTH LITTLE ROCK
A shelter at the North Little Rock Community Center is expected to open at 4 p.m. Friday. Located at 2700 N. Willow St., the warming center is expected to close Saturday at 7 a.m. and reopen at 4 p.m. and remain open through 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Those planning to arrive at the shelter are encouraged to bring their own food, drinks, and entertainment like books, cards, games, etc. Pets are allowed and vending machines will be available.
