Winter Weather Highlights Limited Shelter Capacity and Community Efforts Across Davidson County
As winter weather continues across Davidson County, local governments, nonprofits and faith-based organizations are struggling to protect residents vulnerable to extreme cold. Recent policy changes in Thomasville, combined with outreach efforts and limited shelter availability, underscore both the progress being made and the challenges that remain.
Earlier this week, the City of Thomasville unanimously approved an amendment to an existing city ordinance that previously prohibited car camping. The amendment creates a formal process allowing safe sheltering in vehicles, recognizing that many people experiencing housing instability live in their cars, particularly during winter months.
Under the amendment, nonprofits may operate designated vehicle sheltering areas with up to 20 spaces. Organizations must complete a free registration so law enforcement is aware of the site. Participants must also register with the nonprofit and provide vehicle information. Nonworking vehicles are not permitted.
Father’s Storehouse in Thomasville has already been providing a parking area for individuals living in their vehicles, an effort that previously operated in a legal gray area. The ordinance amendment provides clarity and protection for organizations offering this form of shelter.
The City of Thomasville has also launched its Warm Heart, Warm Hands program, aimed at helping vulnerable residents stay warm through coordinated community support during cold weather.
Across the region, volunteer staffing remains a significant challenge for warming shelters. Limited volunteer availability has forced some organizations to scale back services. High Rock Church, which previously operated a warming shelter, no longer offers shelter services, highlighting the strain on faith-based and nonprofit providers during prolonged cold spells.
Despite these challenges, some faith-based organizations continue to respond. House of Faith, an extension of Unleashed Global Ministries, is preparing to assist with winter outreach while continuing its broader mission as a trauma outreach center and worship space. The organization focuses on justice and healing for individuals impacted by religious trauma, domestic violence and sexual assault.
Dana Hamilton emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration during extreme weather.
“Focusing on justice and helping others to heal from various trauma to include religious trauma, dv, sa, etc” she wrote.
“HOF is a trauma outreach center with a Worship space and I believe we have a mandate all of us working together unified to restore, reform and rebuild! To rebuild back better together! ❤”
Shelter availability across Davidson County remains extremely limited. According to DC Connect, DC First Hope, formerly Crisis Ministries, currently has 12 beds available. Father’s Storehouse has two available spaces at its location at 609 National Highway. That shelter serves women and children only and encourages individuals to text before arriving. Father’s Storehouse can be reached at 336.905.4677. Unity Men and Women’s Shelter has two beds available for men only and is also located on National Highway. At the time of this interview, fewer than 40 shelter beds are currently available countywide.
DC Connect officials said that if all existing shelter spaces are filled, they will work with community partners to identify additional shelter options. Residents in need of assistance or information about shelter availability can contact DC Connect at 336.243.3206.
Community leaders stress that individual action can also save lives during extreme cold. Hamilton shared several ways residents can help support unhoused neighbors.
She encouraged donations to organizations that operate outreach programs, clothing closets and food banks. Needed items include socks, gloves, beanies, thermal emergency blankets, thermal underwear and warm coats.
Hamilton also urged residents to keep emergency supplies in their vehicles, including blankets, sleeping bags rated for 0-degree temperatures, emergency warming blankets, hand and foot warmers.
Assembling care packages is another option. Suggested items include gloves, beanies, nonperishable snacks, lip balm, lotion and hygiene products.
She suggested organizing teams to distribute hot soup, tea, coffee or hot chocolate using thermoses during cold weather outreach. She also encouraged communities to establish indoor or outdoor warming centers when possible.
Keeping a list of local warming centers in a vehicle can be critical, Hamilton said, noting that many people experiencing homelessness lack transportation or face barriers getting to shelters. Offering someone a ride to a warming center could be life-saving.
Additional needs include buddy heaters and propane for safe outdoor warmth when appropriate. Hamilton also encouraged outreach to unhoused communities that may be hidden in tree lines, behind stores or in secluded areas where residents seek safety and access to food and water.
“If we can unify around these ideas and all do their part we can save lives, offer hope and make a powerful impact!”
As temperatures drop, local officials and community organizations emphasize that winter safety requires coordinated policy, volunteer support and compassion from the broader community. The response unfolding across Davidson County reflects both the urgency of the moment and the collective responsibility to ensure our neighbors are not out in the cold.
Editor’s Note: Unity Winter Men's Shelter is available for this weekend. No screening just a warm bed and food. 20 men max.
