COLUMBIA, Tenn. — As extreme winter weather occurs in Columbia, Maury Regional Health and local organizations are teaming up to provide life-saving ‘warming stations’ for unhoused individuals, offering a warm and safe shelter with access to meals and medical care.
The organizations involved in this effort include: The Peoples’ Table from First United Methodist Church, West 7th Church of Christ, The Family Center, Maury Regional Health EMS and the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation’s Mobile Unit.
Temperatures are dropping again this week in the southern Middle Tennessee region. If you or someone you know needs a warm place to stay, warming stations are available through Feb. 21. The schedule and shelter addresses are as follows:
- First United Methodist Church at 222 West 7th Street will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- West 7th Church of Christ at 405 West 7th Street will be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Please call 931.922.9970 after 3 p.m. to confirm as the hours will be determined on a daily basis.
- The Family Center at 921 Beckett Street will be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on winter evenings that are colder than 32 degrees.
Maury Regional Health EMS and the Maury Regional Health Care Foundation’s Mobile Unit play a crucial role, providing on-site health monitoring and medical support, such as addressing chronic conditions and responding to cold-related illnesses.
“For people experiencing homelessness, extreme cold can be life-threatening,” said Lori Bergland, RN, the nurse who operates the Foundation’s Mobile Unit. “At the warming stations, we aren’t just keeping people warm — we’re also able to intervene in serious health emergencies.”
For those who volunteered at the warming stations, the impact was deeply personal.
“I know these efforts saved lives,” one volunteer shared. “When we first opened the church for help, it was overwhelming to see people finally have a place to rest. These are the people who often fall through the cracks — the ones no one sees. But here, they were seen. They were cared for.”
Another volunteer expressed gratitude for the caregivers who made the stations possible:
“One of my good friend’s husbands stayed and helped at the warming station. I know how much it meant to him to be part of something so compassionate. We’re so grateful for the people who gave their time and hearts to this effort.”
While the warming stations are critical during winter, similar efforts take place in the summer through cooling stations, ensuring that those without shelter have access to relief during extreme heat. These year-round initiatives showcase Columbia’s collective commitment to their community.
These initiatives continue to rely on donations and volunteer support. To learn more or contribute, visit MauryRegional.com/Foundation.