For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2022
(Jackson, Miss.) – The City of Jackson’s Office of Housing and Community Development in partnership with Stewpot Community Services, Central Mississippi Continuum of Care, Hinds County Sheriff Department, Shower Power and Mississippi Housing Partnership are planning several emergency responses to the extreme cold temperatures expected later this week.
The National Weather Service forecasts a long duration of very cold weather Thursday night through Saturday night for the Metro Jackson area. The low temperatures will likely range from the single digits, and highs will be near or below freezing for much of the area Friday and Saturday. In addition, strong and gusty winds will likely result in wind chill readings below zero, especially from late Thursday night through Friday.
In response, an emergency shelter will be opened for any individuals without proper shelter to ensure their warmth, health and safety. The Shephard’s Gymnasium at 1355 Hattiesburg St. in Jackson will serve as a temporary shelter from 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22 through Tuesday, Dec. 27. This shelter will be open 24 hours per day and properly staffed and monitored. Cots and blankets will be provided with at least two meals a day. Pets will not be admitted.
Additionally, there are a limited number of hotel rooms available for families and elderly individuals that are in need of warm shelter during these extreme cold temperature days. For more information, please contact Freddric Brandon, Homeless Coordinator for the City of Jackson.
The following overnight shelters will also remain open for residents:
- Billy Brumfield Emergency Shelter for Men, 1244 S. Gallatin St.
- Matt’s House Emergency Shelter for Women & Women with Children, 355 Livingston St.
- The Opportunity Center, 845 W. Amite St. (Open 24 hours Thursday to Tuesday)
- Gateway Rescue Mission, 410 S. Gallatin St. (Open all day Friday and Saturday in addition to normal hours)
- Salvation Army, 570 Beasley Rd.
- Mississippi Housing Partnership, 1217 N. West St.
- REACH Jackson
Anyone in need of warm shelter should call Stewpot at 601-353-2759 for assessment and referral, or email info@stewpot.org.
For those who would like to help their neighbors in need over the next few days, a list of needed items is listed below. Volunteers are also welcome to bring donations to the Stewpot office (open until Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the Stewpot Community Kitchen (open from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays), or to another organization that serves people experiencing homelessness.
- Blankets
- Sleeping bags
- Jackets/coats
- Long Johns
- Handwarmers
- Socks
- Gloves
- Hats
- Lip balm
- T-shirts for layering