News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Collegeside Church of Christ is seeking volunteers to help at its emergency warming shelter opening Thursday.
Cookeville Vice Mayor Luke Eldridge said Hip Cookeville CEO Blair Dudley worked tirelessly to make sure no one would be left to the cold this weekend.
“We know there’s more homeless that are out there that need the shelter,” Eldridge said. “The Mission unfortunately sometimes can’t house everybody. And we decided that with it being so cold we might need to do something to show our support.”
Eldridge said there has been an influx of donations for cots, food, and other necessities. He said the shelter will be open from 3 p.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Monday.
Eldridge said pets will not be allowed at the shelter. He said that he and Dudley are working on alternate accommodations for those who have pets. Dudley said volunteers will help with meal prep, monitoring, and cleaning up the church.
“You know these people are part of our community just as much as anybody is a part of our community and we have a duty to one another,” Dudley said. “And for whatever reason they are unsheltered. Food, shelter, and clothing are something that we can provide and so we should provide them when needed. Period.”
Dudley said if folks are interested in volunteering, they can contact Helping Hands’ Becca Duncan at 239-285-6142 or message him on Hip Cookeville’s Facebook page.
