CSRA warming centers, aid groups cope with cold temps
GROVETOWN, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A wave of cold temperatures are on it’s way to the CSRA this weekend and no matter where you are, cities want to make sure there’s a place to go if you need relief from the conditions.
“We just want to make sure no matter how big or small that population is that we have resources for them, that we can provide them to stay safe, to stay healthy and to get out of the elements when they need to,” said Jordan Johnson, Grovetown public information officer.
Grovetown’s warming center is located at Liberty Park. They’ve expanded their hours to 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily for the time being.
At Library Park, they’re ready to hand out blankets, coffee and hot chocolate for anyone who needs it.
The Salvation Army in Aiken’s shelter will be open as a warming shelter whenever the temps drop below 37 degrees for more than two hours.
Helping others is why El Rey preps 250 to 300 burritos to serve on Sunday morning. This isn’t their first time, but the cold temperatures will have them bring Mexican hot chocolate to hand out too.
“We’re definitely bracing ourselves for this weekend. We’re just going to bundle up extra hard and have our hot burritos ready to give away,” said co-owner of El Rey, Patty Galvan.
The restaurant started by giving out 80 burritos, but over time the needs expanded.
“We grew up knowing what it is to struggle and our parents always, you know, pushed us to do that. Like if when if you ever have the means to do it, you know? By all means, do it,” said Galvan. “It’s definitely been eye opening. To see the amount of homelessness we experience here in the area. We see a lot of kids which is the most heartbreaking. So I think if anybody can come out and help definitely do so. Because there’s there’s a big need for it.”
El Rey and Grovetown will be ready and are bracing for the cold.
“We certainly do have folks that come in and take advantage of it to get out of the cold for a little bit,” said Johnson. “Come get a nice hot cup of hot chocolate or hot coffee to keep them warm. We’ve extended the hours now it’s from 7am to 9pm daily at Liberty Park. So if you’re ing through or if you’re a citizen, and you need somewhere to beat the cold, so come on by to Liberty Park and we’ve got you covered.”
For a list of more warming centers in the area, click here.
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