Cullman County cold weather resources: Senior centers, warming shelters

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(Cullman County VOAD)

CULLMAN, Ala. – As cold weather approaches the area, several local entities are providing services to keep residents warm and safe. 

Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Stephanie Lawson said the commission has seven full-time senior centers throughout Cullman County. 

“We invite you to come check us out anytime but especially during the upcoming bitterly cold days next week,” Lawson said this weekend. “If you are 60 or older, come stay warm, socialize and have lunch. We will be there Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.”

Those senior centers are:

  • Colony: 12980 Alabama Highway 91, Hanceville, 256-287-1491
  • Crane Hill: 15140 County Road 222, Crane Hill, 256-747-6241
  • Cullman: 1539 Sportsman Lake Road NW, Cullman, 256-734-0145
  • Fairview: 660 Welcome Road, Cullman, 256-796-6714
  • Hanceville: 209 Michelle St. NW, Hanceville, 256-352-4733
  • Holly Pond: 221 Lions Park Road, Holly Pond, 256-796-2131
  • West Point: 3990 County Road 1141, Vinemont, 256-734-0282

United Way of Cullman County Executive Director Stephanie Childers said that as temperatures drop this week, local warming shelters are opening their doors to ensure no one in the community is left out in the cold. 

“These shelters are operating in conjunction with the Cullman County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), which serves as an essential arm of United Way of Cullman County (UWCC),” Childers said. “VOAD works under the direction of Cullman County EMA Director Tim Sartin to coordinate disaster response and relief efforts. Dawn Beard currently serves as the VOAD chair, leading efforts alongside the dedicated VOAD board to provide critical support to those in need during emergencies.”

As of press time, warming shelters include:

  • Hanceville shelter

Trinity Pentecostal Church of Hanceville, open from 6 p.m.-8 a.m. “It will remain available as long as there is a need during this cold spell.”  307 Whaley Ave. NE, Hanceville

  • Fairview shelter

Etha Baptist Church “will provide shelter during the cold night hours, starting Monday and continuing through next week for those in need.” 8417 County Road 1545, Cullman

  • Dodge City shelter

Dodge City Town Hall basement “will be open throughout the weather event. We kindly ask all visitors to treat the space with respect and keep it clean and orderly.” 130 Howard Circle, Hanceville

  • Cullman shelter

Donald E. Green Active Adult Center

  • Through Friday, Jan. 10
    • 7 p.m. until 30 minutes prior to the center opening. (If no one is checked in by 9 p.m., the center will close)
    • Prohibited items: No pets/animals, firearms/weapons, cigarettes, tobacco, vapes, e-cigarettes or alcohol allowed. Police presence will be on-site.
    • If center is closed and you need assistance, please call Dispatch at 256-775-7145.
    • 1625 Cleveland Ave. SW, Cullman
  • Unsheltered International

Possibly. “We will provide updates if additional days become available.” 30 County Road 1184, Cullman

  • The Gathering Place (Link of Cullman County)

“The Gathering Place may be made available if necessary. We will update you on its status if it opens.” 708 Ninth St. SE, Cullman

If cots are required at any of these locations, the Cullman County EMA will supply them. Participants are encouraged to bring their own personal bedding.

Childers said the warming shelters are a testament to the compassion and unity of the community.

“Volunteers and organizations have come together to offer safe, warm spaces for those who need them most,” Childers said. “We are incredibly thankful for the generosity and caring hearts of our neighbors who continue to support these efforts. Together, we can make a difference and keep our community safe and warm this winter. Thank you for standing with us and supporting your neighbors during this time of need.”

If you are interested in volunteering to assist at the warming shelters or in other VOAD activities, contact Stephanie Childers at Schilders@uwaycc.org or Taylor Johnson at Tjohnson@uwaycc.org.

For additional information about warming shelter locations and hours of operation, visit www.facebook.com/CullmanCountyVOAD.

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