CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – An Emergency White Flag Shelter will open in Clarksville beginning Dec. 28 and volunteers are needed as cold weather conditions approach, according to City of Clarksville.

Clarksville’s White Flag threshold is 35 degrees. When temperatures are expected to reach or fall below that level for three or more consecutive days, emergency shelter operations are activated to ensure individuals experiencing homelessness have access to a warm and safe place to stay.

The shelter operations are coordinated through the City of Clarksville’s Canopy Initiative, a partnership among local nonprofits and faith-based organizations that provide emergency shelter, meals and basic services during extreme weather events.

Organizations participating in the Canopy Initiative include Clarksville-Area Urban Ministries, The Salvation Army, Irene Center for Hope, and the Clarksville-Montgomery County Community Action Agency.

Shelter locations and services

Under the current White Flag plan, shelters will be organized by population served:

  • Single men will be housed at Madison Street United Methodist Church, located at 300 Commerce St., with operations led by Clarksville-Area Urban Ministries.
  • Single women and families will be sheltered at The Salvation Army, located at 210 Kraft Street.
  • Families with young children may be placed in hotel rooms through the Irene Center for Hope and the Community Action Agency’s Room at the Inn program, as funding allows. The program also works toward rapid rehousing when possible.

Individuals seeking shelter or additional information can call 931-472-3355 or email community@cityofclarksville.com.

Volunteers needed, public meetings scheduled

According to the city, the most immediate need is for volunteers to help staff the emergency shelters.

“Volunteers play a critical role in ensuring the shelter operates safely, compassionately, and effectively,” said a city news release.

Community members interested in volunteering at either the men’s or women’s shelters can sign up through ClarksvilleTN.gov.

In addition to emergency shelter operations, the City of Clarksville will host a public information meeting on Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. at Madison Street United Methodist Church to discuss emergency sheltering efforts and related services.

The meeting will also include information on the city’s proposed acquisition of “The Well” property at 224 Union Street. Clarksville-Area Urban Ministries will present an overview of its mission, it’s more than 40 years of experience serving vulnerable residents and its short-term and long-term visions for the site.

A follow-up public meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15 at 6 p.m., also at Madison Street United Methodist Church. City officials said the additional meeting was added in response to concerns raised during a recent City of Clarksville Finance Committee meeting. Additional feedback may be submitted to Community@cityofclarksville.com.

“The City of Clarksville remains committed to supporting our non-profit and faith-based organizations that protect lives during extreme weather events, while working collaboratively with first responders to connect individuals to supportive services and pathways toward stability,” the City of Clarksville said in its news release.

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