TAZEWELL, Tenn. — In Claiborne County, where no county-operated warming center exists, local volunteers have stepped up to provide a crucial lifeline for those facing dangerously cold conditions.
The Tazewell Church of Christ opened its doors on Tuesday, offering a 24-hour shelter for individuals seeking refuge from the frigid weather. The shelter, located at 1605 Tazewell Rd, will remain open until noon on Saturday. The church has taken on the responsibility of providing food, blankets, pillows, and utilities at no cost to those in need. Despite not receiving any funding from the county, the volunteers at the church are dedicated to ensuring people are kept warm and safe.
“We try to go out of our way. Even if it comes out of our pocket, we still want to be Christ-like to those in need,” said Preacher Denver Tate, emphasizing the church’s commitment to helping the vulnerable in the community.
While the church’s efforts are a critical resource, the issue of long-term solutions to address winter weather challenges in Claiborne County remains unresolved. Mayor Joe Brooks has expressed a desire to secure county funds to support volunteer-run warming shelters in the future. However, his recent proposal to allocate $2,500 in county funds for the construction of warming boxes was rejected by the county commission. These warming boxes would contain essential items such as blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags for the homeless.
“We’re very behind the 8-ball when it comes to meeting that need,” said Brooks, who is concerned about the lack of adequate resources to address the growing demand for emergency winter assistance.
Several county commissioners spoke out against the proposal, stating that the warming boxes could create unintended consequences, potentially increasing homelessness and placing additional strain on local resources. Despite this opposition, Brooks remains committed to finding solutions for the county’s winter weather preparedness.
The issue comes at a time when Claiborne County Schools have faced significant disruption due to severe weather, with students not returning to classrooms since their winter break began on December 17. As of Wednesday, the district will have used 13 consecutive snow days.
“We can do better with cold weather on all fronts,” said Brooks, who is urging local leaders to consider new approaches to support the community during extreme weather conditions.
For now, it is places like Tazewell Church of Christ that continue to provide vital support to those in need. The shelter, entirely staffed by volunteers and funded by donations, plays a key role in offering a safe haven to individuals who would otherwise have no place to go during the coldest nights.
As county leaders continue to search for long-term solutions, the volunteers at the church are determined to do whatever it takes to keep their doors open and serve their community through this challenging winter season.
