Jimmie Hale Mission Opens Warming Shelter Amid Cold Snap

0:00It's March 17, here's your Birmingham news in two minutes. A sudden cold snap has hit Central Alabama, dropping temperatures below freezing after weeks of spring like warmth. The Jimmy Hale mission in Birmingham is opening its warming shelter to provide hot meals, warmth, and beds for those in need, especially people. Experiencing homelessness. Leaders there are keeping a close eye on the weather and plan to stay open Monday night and Tuesday night. This unexpected chill is particularly risky because many folks on the street had ditched their winter gear during the recent warm spell. Executive Director Paren Carroll says they are bracing for a big crowd tonight since people often lack places to store heavy clothes. The mission serves dinner right now and expects even more visitors as the free sets in. The cold highlights, the ongoing challenges for the homeless community where these weather swings can be life-threatening. This winter alone, the mission has helped nearly 600 unique individuals showing a steady need, but slightly fewer numbers than last year.

1:00Thanks to local outreach programs. Staff reports they are well stocked on most donations, but could use soft snacks like cereal bars, bottled water, and financial help to cover staffing, electricity, and heating costs. According to Carroll, these resources keep the doors open during tough times. As temperatures warm up later this week, the mission will pivot to summer outreach, connecting people with long-term support to get off the streets. For good. This story is shared with support from our sponsor. Press play. Put your head down. The sound is already there, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.