Downtown 2 Winter weather leads warming stations to open at Boutwell Auditorium Jan. 8-13 — We haven’t seen the sun in a few days and can expect freezing temperatures to roll in this weekend. Photo via Jacob Blakenship for Bham Now

If you’ve been outside in the past 48 hours, you’ve noticed a sharp chill in the air. For our homeless community, this could be tragic. In response to forecasted freezing temperatures, the City of Birmingham is hosting a warming station at Boutwell Auditorium from Friday, Jan. 8 through Wednesday, Jan. 13.

The warming stations will open every day between Friday, Jan. 8 through Wednesday, Jan. 13 from 5PM-7AM. All individuals planning on entering the auditorium are required to wear a face covering.

Where: Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. Birmingham, AL 35203
When: Friday, Jan. 8- Wednesday, Jan. 13
Hours: Each day from 5PM-7AM

What about snow?

While most of Alabama will see a cold rain Monday, snow is possible over some northern and western counties of the state at the onset. pic.twitter.com/oTpcVn2vBi
— James Spann (@spann) January 8, 2021

Right now the biggest concern is bone-chilling temps. However, other areas of Alabama like Huntsville did see a little snow today.

For us here in Birmingham, it looks like mostly cold rain. But, we’ll definitely keep our eyes peeled for a few flurries.

Want to help? Here’s how

three gray, green, and white scarf on top of table — Have some extra blankets around the house? The City of Birmingham is in need of twin and full-sized washable blankets for warming stations. Photo via Unsplash

Birmingham needs your help. Please take a look at the following list of items accepted as donations:

Washable blankets in twin and full sizes.
Individually wrapped breakfast type items such as honeybuns, muffins, nutrition bars, oranges and bananas.
Cleaning supplies such as paper towels, toilet paper, spray disinfectants and air fresheners.
Socks, scarves, toboggans, hand warmers, gloves.

It’s important to note that coats and other types of clothing other than the ones listed will not be accepted.

When to donate and how

Donors should drive up to the front of Boutwell Auditorium and someone will unload the car. Crews will accept donations at Boutwell Auditorium during these times:

Jan. 8, Jan. 11 and Jan. 12 from 8:30AM-4PM
Jan. 9 and 10 from 3-5PM

The impact your donation makes

Birmingham Woodfin — Mayor Randall Woodfin greets a visitor at the BJCC warming station on Christmas Day, 2017. Photo via Pat Byington for Bham Now

Considering giving back? It makes a difference—just read these stories about Birmingham’s warming stations. With more cold snaps to come and a pandemic as unrelenting as the weather, help is needed more than ever.

Here are a few other organizations you can donate to so our homeless community makes it through this difficult season: