Birmingham warming stations extend hours and need help

Birmingham warming stations at the Birmingham -Jefferson Civic Center and Grace Episcopal Church in Woodlawn are extending their hours to insure people are safe and warm during the hard freeze that has hit the region and will continue till the end of the week.

Both the city and the Episcopal Diocese have sent out calls for volunteers and additional donations.

Here is an excerpt from the City of Birmingham press release asking for additional support:

“We’ve been able to run a successful warming station, thanks to committed city employees and the donation of food and time from volunteers, faith groups and area restaurants. I thank them for their dedication and service,’’ stated Mayor Randall Woodfin.

Because the warming station will be open all day on Jan. 1, additional volunteers are needed between 12 and 5 p.m. To volunteer, please visit this link. The door to the South Hall faces Ninth Avenue North, which is between Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard and 19th Street North.

Several area restaurants and churches have pledged to bring food each night to feed those in need. However, supplemental food such as warm pizzas, prepared chili or soup, and grilled cheese sandwiches are needed.

If you are interested in donating food contact Don Lupo at 335-4573.

Lupo has also noticed that men are in need of donated items such as new long johns and underwear in sizes 2X and 3X. Women are in need of new underwear. Donations may be made at the warming station each day, between 12 and 5 p.m., at the rear entrance to the South Hall on Ninth Avenue North.

Grace Episcopal Church in Woodlawn needs volunteers and donations

And this message from the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama:

Grace Episcopal Church in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Birmingham also needs volunteers to help staff their warming station. Due to sustained cold temperatures, the warming station will be opened 24 hours a day until January 5, 2018. Volunteers are especially needed for a short shift between 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day.

Other shifts are available 6 a.m. – 9 a.m., 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. (set up dinner), and 8 p.m. – 6 a.m. The warming station is also in need of adult socks and gloves, which can be dropped off after 4:30 p.m.

To volunteer for a shift or for more information, please contact Kay Williams, 205-305-4179, or by email.

The warming stations are a priority for mayor’s office.  Check out the story, Bham Now wrote about his visit to the BJCC warming station on Christmas Day.

Best of Birmingham. The warming station on Christmas Day and beyond