‘We are unable to open’ | Two warming shelters in Knoxville won’t be open during cold spell

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Two Knoxville churches will not be able to open as warming shelters in preparation for cold weather and snow as it makes its way into East Tennessee this week.

Magnolia and Vestal United Methodist Church usually open their doors during cold weather, but city officials said they won’t be able to this week due to building issues.

A spokesperson for the City of Knoxville sent WVLT News the following statement:

The city is now looking for other groups with space and volunteers to offer help during the winter weather. All Souls Knoxville opened their doors Sunday to help out.

All Souls Pastor Phil Aud said, “We also do things like this, or are starting to do things like this, and partner with other folks in the city to reach our unhoused neighbors and just provide a warm place for them and let them know they’re loved.”

Aud credited a lot of the help to open the shelter to Marti Baker, the owner of CareCuts and an advocate for helping those in need.

“We actually maxed out the space and really no complaints. She knows what she’s doing,” Aud said.

Aud added that they provided a temporary shelter for about 50-60 people. He said they may do it again in the future.

“We want to find ways we can open the doors, and we’ve always talked about being an Urban Monastery. We’re trying more and more ways to open our doors as a safe place for the community,” Aud said.

They don’t have plans to open their doors again this week, but city officials said additional warming shelters could be announced later in the week.