Rockmart to provide shelter access to those without heat when severe cold strikes
A cold wind blows through leafless trees as rabbits and squirrels scurry to find warmth in a hollow tree or log.
The wind increases and makes sounds as it swirls through a bit of undergrowth where scrub hardwoods grow.
Feathery, white snowflakes begin to fall creating a scene of beauty to local residents who look from windows of warm homes to enjoy the changing countryside.
In Rockmart, Jeff Ellis, city manager, is not one of these individuals. He is thinking of people trying to find warmth as they huddle together in the cold.
He knows that - according to Police Chief Keith Sorrells and his officers at the police department - there are 30 or more people staying in the woods near the community.
This fact is also known by Betty Cornwell, Helping Hands Ministries, who reports there are people staying in the woods.
She recalls how they come to get food and express thanks for the help they receive.
As Ellis ponders the situation, he thinks “never again”.
Later, he talks with Mayor Steve Miller and other city officials.
The decision is made. Shelter will be provided for people who do not have a place to stay when the temperature drops to 25 degrees or lower.
In the future, homeless people that seek free temporary shelter during frigid winter weather will have the opportunity to come to Rockmart City Gym, located at 436 Hogue Avenue. There, they will find free temporary shelter when the temperature is 25 degrees or below.
Local churches and other volunteer organizations are asked to support this effort of city officials to “show compassion” to individuals “that seek to find a place to shelter in Rockmart.”
Needed are sheets, blankets and volunteers who can bring water or perhaps hot coffee for people who come to the shelter during frigid winter weather.
For more information, call Stacey Smith at 770-684-5454 or email her at ssmith@rockmartga.gov.