Macon shelters prepare for cold weather as temperatures drop

Brookdale Resource Center and Hello House expand operations as freezing temperatures move into Middle Georgia.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — As temperatures drop through the weekend and into early next week, area shelters are preparing to help people stay warm during the cold weather.

Brookdale Resource Center Executive Director Alison Bender says the center is preparing for colder weather and an increase in visitors. She says the center currently has 50 beds available, and staff are on hand to handle essential needs.

“Any time we have inclement weather like what we’re about to experience, we make sure we have all of the things someone would need going out into the elements,” she said. “So, we pack up and make sure that we have coats, gloves and warmers. Anything like that that would keep someone warm out in the elements.”

Bender says the Hello House will extend its hours from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until 11 a.m. during the cold weather.

“Individuals are allowed to come in between 4 and 6 p.m. seven days a week, and when they come in, we will provide dinner for them, and then we also provide breakfast for them when they leave in the morning,” she said.

To receive information on shelter options, Bender says the resource center works with other agencies to help the community access supplies and information.

“We have a supply here and try to keep it stocked, so that way when the weather changes or we have to enact our inclement weather operations, we’re prepared,” she said.

The Brookdale Resource Center is located at 3600 Brookdale Ave.

The Macon-Bibb County Emergency Management Agency also offers winter safety tips, including dressing in layers, limiting time outdoors, using space heaters safely, and covering pipes and plants to prevent freezing. For more information, click here.