Dangerously cold temperatures are descending on North Georgia, threatening people’s health, pets, and property. The extreme cold could result in power outages, leaving vulnerable populations exposed to the bitter cold.
As the region braces for another round of winter weather – its second in less than two weeks – some may find themselves seeking ways to escape the cold. While warming stations and cold weather shelters are available in urban areas, such as Athens, Buford, and Gainesville, they are harder to find in rural areas, including Habersham.
‘Not staffed to run overnight shelters’
First Baptist Church of Cornelia used to house a cold weather shelter but discontinued that ministry several years ago. Since then, it’s been challenging for the elderly, poor, and homeless to find a warm bed and hot food during extreme winter weather.
According to interim Habersham County Manager Tim Sims, the local government is not equipped to meet such needs.
“While Habersham County Government understands the need for and importance of a warming center during sub-freezing temperatures, we are not staffed to run overnight shelters, and most of our facilities already have scheduled daytime activities that make them unavailable for sheltering,” he explains.
Habersham does allow people to use the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center and Recreation Department to keep warm during the day. The facility is open to the public Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“If anyone needs to seek shelter at the Aquatic Center during operating hours, the county would be glad to host them,” says Sims. However, as the severe temperatures settle in on Monday, Jan. 20, the aquatic center and all other county offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Those seeking respite from the cold must turn to other resources.
“Thankfully, our community is filled with people who have big hearts and who often reach out to those at risk to help them find a temporary solution during extreme cold,” says Sims.
Cold weather resources
While the idea of ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ is a hallmark of small-town life, it is not a guarantee. Sims says the county is “always willing” to talk with stakeholders who want to provide helpful resources.
“As a county government, we are always willing to sit down with representatives from our religious community, nonprofit organizations, civic clubs, media organizations, and others to look at ways we can work together to serve at-need residents during the most extreme temperatures.”
A few public resources have been announced in Northeast Georgia, specifically in preparation for the arctic cold. The Georgia Mountains Universalist Church in Dahlonega will open its doors to the public overnight from Jan. 19 through 24. Also, Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville is expected to reopen as a cold weather shelter, and other state parks may follow suit.
Now Habersham previously prepared a list of cold weather shelters and warming stations across Northeast Georgia. Contact the numbers on this list to find out if they’re open.
