Lee Erwin Reporting
lerwin@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Three days of snow, sleet and freezing rain are now going to be followed by bitter cold temperatures AROUND zero for Clarksville into the weekend. This of course means that there are a lot of people in the city and county that are in need of shelter from the winter weather.
The Burt-Cobb Community Center in Clarksville has been open since Sunday to provide emergency shelter for those in need and will remain open through Friday, February 20. The staff from the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department is being assisted by volunteers from Manna Café Ministries.
“We’re here to pull all of those individuals that are out there in the streets and in the cold into a warm space where they can have food, shelter and utilize the facility and be in a place where they can have peace of mind for a few days,” said Laconza Gilliam, Burt-Cobb Center Director.
Gilliam added that over the past few days they have averaged serving 25 to 30 people each night. Those at the shelter receive breakfast, lunch and dinner. Much of the food and other items come from Manna Café or donations from other businesses, churches or organizations.
The shelter is not only for the homeless but Gilliam said it’s also for people who are struggling and maybe having a difficult time just getting by.
One of the persons benefiting from the shelter at Burt-Cobb is Michael Williams and he talked about being there. “They’re a godsend and I thank God for them keeping us out of the cold. We’re being very well fed and they’re taking very good care of us,” Williams said.
Along with the Burt-Cobb shelter, the City of Clarksville reports that on Tuesday night, the Clarksville Salvation Army served 43 people and Buffalo Valley offered assistance to 12. Room in the Inn was not utilized Tuesday because of transportation issues due to the severe weather.