COVID and continues cold temperatures impacting warming stations

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee- With the steady cold the warming shelter at the Chattanooga community kitchen has seen a steady increase in people.

The Community Kitchen has severed meals and stayed open everyday even during the pandemic.

Due to the pandemic the warming shelters have only opened when it has been too cold for people to be outside.

With the consistent cold temperatures, the shelter has seen more people coming in to stay safe.

“A lot of times folks that we serve are in tents and places like that and somewhat settled. So they don’t want to have to necessarily pack up everything that they have and come to the shelter but when it’s a stand called like this it really becomes necessary,” said Community Engagement Director David Costellow.

There are COVID test done daily to make sure people are negative and won’t be spreading the disease. If they do test positive other sleeping arrangements are made with a different indoor facility.