NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Frigid temperatures have forced city leaders to open an emergency cold weather shelter Tuesday.
The Nashville Rescue Mission conducted its cold patrol --- driving to areas in the city where the homeless congregate. Volunteers will provide handwarmers, hats and gloves for people. The cold patrol goal is to encourage people living on the streets to get out of the cold as temperatures will be below freezing throughout the night into Wedesday.
"They're already at a highly vulnerable place that weather like this will hit them hard. Not just the way they feel it but for their health as well," Sr. Director for Development at Nashville Rescue Mission Cheryl Noe said.
Noe said she encourages people to use the Rescue Mission space and Room In The Inn shelter first.
The Nashville Office of Emergency Management’s Emergency Support Unit will conduct cold patrols of their own Tuesday evening as well.
The city will open Shelby Park Community Center started at 7:00 p.m.
