People who need a place to stay warm for the night when temperatures fall will be able to visit the First United Methodist Church.
GASTONIA, N.C. — Neighbors in Gastonia who need a place to stay warm on cold nights will have a new location to visit starting Friday.
The City of Gastonia and Gaston County jointly announced Thursday that the First United Methodist Church of Gastonia has committed to hosting the Cold Weather Shelter to give unhoused neighbors a warm place to sleep when temperatures are projected to fall to 32 degrees or lower. The church, located at 190 East Franklin Boulevard, will host the shelter for the first time on Dec. 20, starting at 8 p.m. and going until 6 a.m. The shelter will be housed inside the church’s Family Life Center.
“We are immensely grateful for Pastors Justin and Melissa Lowe and the entire team at First United Methodist Church of Gastonia for stepping up to provide this critical need,” Gaston County Assistant County Manager Steve Eaton said. “They truly have a heart for service, and their partnership is the perfect example of how local government and members of our community can work together to better serve those in need.”
“Our collaboration with FUMC Gastonia and Gaston County demonstrates what can be accomplished when our community comes together to support our most vulnerable,” said Quentin McPhatter, assistant city manager of Gastonia. “We remain dedicated to working hand-in-hand with our various community partners in meeting this need.”
The church will provide cots and blankets for the shelter. Community groups like Gateway Gaston, HealthNet Gaston and the United Way of Gaston County are still working to provide food, clothing and other essentials for unhoused neighbors. Law enforcement officers are also being provided to handle security at the warming shelter. Both the city and county governments are also working to provide and recruit volunteers to staff the shelter.
The city and county previously hosted a warming station at the Gastonia Farmer’s Market, and warming stations have been provided for three years now.
Individuals and groups looking to donate to support the work of the Cold Weather Shelter can do so through the United Way of Gaston County.
