Residents seek refuge during winter storm

Community comes together to provide shelter for the less fortunate

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

As a severe winter storm continues to unleash its icy grip on the region, less fortunate West Memphis and Marion residents are huddling together desperate for shelter and respite from plummeting temperatures. The warming centers where they have gathered, located at First Baptist in West Memphis and Marion Methodist have become a beacon of hope for those without a warm place to escape the biting cold.

“It was too cold to continue staying in my car so my wife and I came here.” says Keenon Green, a Navy veteran from north Mississippi who is deaf in his left ear due to injuries received while on duty in the early 1990s, “I lost my house a while back after they cut my benefits, so we went to Memphis looking for work. We came over to West Memphis because the motels are cheaper, but have been staying in our car more lately. But right now, it’s just too cold.”

With forecasts predicting subzero temperatures and dangerous wind chills, many individuals in the West Memphis community find themselves vulnerable and at risk. In response, First Baptist Church at the behest of Emergency Management Director for the City of West Memphis DeWayne Rose, has extended a helping hand to those in need by opening its doors as a warming center.

See CENTERS, page A3

Local residents found shelter and warm food at the First Baptist Church on Missouri as the weathered the winter storm together.

Photo by Don Wilburn CENTERS

From page A1

The church, renowned for its commitment to community service, is providing a refuge for affected residents to seek warmth, companionship, and a momentary respite from the unforgiving weather conditions.

Church volunteers, armed with an unwavering sense of empathy and compassion, have dedicated their efforts to ensure that everyone seeking shelter is accommodated to the best of their abilities. The warming center, which offers a safe, heated space and food for individuals of all ages, will remain open 24 hours a day, ensuring that residents have a secure place to stay during the worst of the predicted low temperatures on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 15 through the 17. For safety reasons, there is a police officer from the WMPD on duty at all times at the shelter and those seeking refuge must arrive by 6 p.m. No one is permitted to enter afterwards.

Pastor Josh Hall, a prominent figure within the First Baptist Church community, emphasized the importance of supporting residents during these trying times. He said, “We believe it is our duty to offer assistance and a sense of belonging in times of crisis. Our doors are wide open, and we are here to provide warmth, solace, and compassion to those who need it most. Right now there are nine people at the shelter, but we expect more to come in.”

The warming center has received an outpouring of support from the West Memphis community. Local businesses and organizations have generously contributed blankets, warm clothing, and food to ensure that those seeking refuge have access to essential supplies.

As West Memphis battles against Mother Nature’s relentless onslaught, the heartwarming tales of kindness and resilience emerging from the First Baptist Church warming center serve as a reminder that unity and compassion can weather even the fiercest storms.

Together, the West Memphis community remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its members, standing strong in the face of adversity. Residents seeking shelter or wishing to contribute essential items are encouraged to contact Pastor Hall at the First Baptist Church at 501-2882226.