Emergency warming shelter

Stepping Up During the Coldest Winter Nights

When temperatures become dangerously low, the Compassion Center steps forward to provide a safe, warm place for neighbors experiencing homelessness in Cartersville and Bartow County.

Our Emergency Warming Center offers more than protection from the cold. Guests are welcomed with compassion and dignity, provided meals and basic necessities, and connected with people who genuinely care about their well-being.

The Warming Center is a community-wide effort made possible by volunteers, churches, donors, Emergency Services, hospitals, and local partners. During our 2026 activation, we operated for 19 consecutive nights, welcomed 85 individuals, and received 812 volunteer hours.

The Warming Center is not a year-round shelter. It is activated during qualifying cold-weather conditions to provide immediate safety while creating opportunities to connect guests with resources, care, and pathways toward stability.

During the coldest nights of the year, we believe no one should have to face them alone. Together, our community can offer warmth, safety, dignity, and hope.

Location

Grace Baptist Church Gymnasium
477 Old Cassville White Rd
Cartersville, GA 30121

How the community can help

How Can You Help

  • Volunteer for a shift

  • Provide an approved meal

  • Donate requested supplies

  • Give toward winter operations

  • Get your church, business, or civic group involved

  • Share official activation information

  • Please check our current needs list before collecting or delivering supplies, as needs and storage capacity may change throughout the winter.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • The Warming Center is generally activated when temperatures are forecast to remain below 25 degrees for two or more consecutive days. Activation is based on weather conditions, facility readiness, staffing, and guidance from local emergency-management partners.

  • No. The Compassion Center is not a year-round overnight shelter. The Warming Center opens only during announced qualifying severe-weather events.

  • Activation dates and operating information are normally announced within approximately 36 hours of an expected weather event. Updates are posted on the Compassion Center website, event calendar, Facebook page, and Instagram account, and through local emergency services and hospitals.

    Because weather forecasts and operating conditions can change, guests and referring organizations should verify that the center is open before arriving.

  • The Warming Center serves adults experiencing homelessness or unsafe sleeping conditions during qualifying cold-weather events. It is currently an adults-only facility.

  • The center can currently accommodate up to 90 guests per night in a gymnasium space. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.

  • Check-in generally begins at 6:00 p.m. and continues until the center reaches capacity. Guests should review the activation announcement for the exact check-in time and any event-specific instructions.

  • Yes. All guests must check in by 6:00pm to secure a bed each night and in for the night by 11:00pm. Doors will lock and there is no reentry after that time.

  • We partner with Grace Baptist Church in their gymnasium located at:

    Grace Baptist Church

    477 Old Cassville White Rd

    Cartersville, GA 30121

  • Meals and basic refreshments are generally provided through the generosity of volunteers, churches, donors, and community partners. Specific offerings may vary by activation.

  • Guests should contact the Compassion Center before arriving for the current policy regarding animals. Service animals are addressed according to applicable requirements, but the facility may not be able to accommodate pets or emotional-support animals during every activation.

  • The Warming Center currently serves adults only. Families with children should contact 211 or an appropriate local emergency-service provider for assistance locating a family-appropriate placement.

  • No. A stay does not guarantee housing, financial assistance, or placement in another program. However, it creates an opportunity for guests to build relationships with our team and learn about available medical care, resource navigation, recovery services, and community referrals.

  • The Warming Center is not a hospital, emergency department, or continuous medical-care facility. In a medical emergency, call 911. When available, Compassion Center staff may help connect guests with the Mobile Medical Clinic or an appropriate healthcare partner.

  • Guests should bring necessary medications, identification if available, weather-appropriate clothing, and only essential personal belongings. Space is limited, so guests should avoid bringing large amounts of property.