BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) -- Thursday’s sunshine and warm weather will soon give way to frigid temperatures across central Alabama.
“I’m going to have a rather large jacket on, keep on some boots of course, just kind of keep all the skin from, uh, neck down completely covered,” said Jennifer Snell as she walked through the Five Points South business district in a skirt with no jacket Thursday afternoon.
Layering will be key for anyone planning to spend any amount of time outside on Friday.
The temperatures are expected to fall into the 20s and below overnight.
Jimmie Hale Mission is opening its doors Thursday evening for those who want to come in from the cold.
The warming stations for men, women and families will provide guests with a hot meal and a chance to come in from the cold weather.
Thursday morning, cots were being set up in the chapel for the men. Women and families will stay in the dining room after the dinner hour.
“We will be dangerously cold tonight and tomorrow night, so we expect over 100 guests both nights,” said Perryn Carroll, Executive Director of the Jimmie Hale Mission.
For more information on how they are serving others just click on the following link: Jimmie Hale Mission | Homeless Services in Birmingham, AL.
Before the cold moves in, we caught up with local non-profit organization Food For Our Journey’s Kelly Greene, who was making sure those she serves know about the warming stations.
In addition to food and kindness, Greene passed out scarves, warm socks and blankets.
“We’re all here to take care of one another,” said Greene. “Everyone has a home; some are unhoused, but they have a home, and some homes don’t have the heat and some of the comforts that we’re used to having, and what we’re called to do is be here for one another.”
Greene says their ministry in need of donated socks, blankets, hats, gloves and hand warmers.
For more information on how to donate these items, just click here: Food For Our Journey, Birmingham, AL, Feeding the Hungry
Shelter for women and children only will be provided at Pathways, which is located at 409 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd.
Highlands United Methodist Church in the Five Points South Neighborhood is serving members of the community with a hot breakfast four days a week. They are in need of more hats, gloves, scarves and jackets.
Danny Jones, the Director of Youth and Compassion Ministries, explained their mission:
“Well, that’s who we are, and that’s what God’s people do. They look out for one another.”
For more information just click on the following link: Highlands United Methodist Church.