Jackson Shelters Expand Capacity Ahead of Extreme Cold

Churches and rescue missions prepare extra beds and services as life-threatening temperatures loom

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Warming shelters in Jackson, Mississippi are gearing up to provide additional beds, meals, and other services as the region braces for another bout of dangerously cold weather. Shelters like Central United Methodist Church and Gateway Rescue Mission are coordinating efforts to ensure no one is left out in the cold, expanding capacity and opening their doors to those in need of refuge from the freezing temperatures.

Why it matters

With temperatures expected to drop to life-threatening levels, the expansion of shelter capacity is crucial to protect the area's homeless population from the harsh winter conditions. Jackson has a significant unhoused community, and these shelters play a vital role in providing a safe, warm place to stay during extreme cold snaps.

The details

Shelters are preparing extra beds, blankets, and other supplies to accommodate an expected surge in demand. Central United Methodist Church is converting its space into an overflow shelter, while Gateway Rescue Mission anticipates housing around 60 people but is ready to make room for more if needed. The shelters are coordinating to ensure no one is turned away, with full facilities directing people to other available options.

  • Shelters are expanding capacity ahead of a life-threatening cold snap expected this weekend.
  • The previous cold snap last week saw many shelters reach maximum capacity.

The players

Central United Methodist Church

A Jackson church that is converting its space into an overflow warming shelter during the extreme cold.

Gateway Rescue Mission

A local rescue mission that is expanding its capacity to provide shelter, meals, and other services to the homeless community.

Reverend Domini Henry

The reverend at Central United Methodist Church who is preparing the church's space to welcome those in need of warmth and refuge.

Gerald Snell

The senior shelter manager at Gateway Rescue Mission who is coordinating the expansion of services ahead of the cold snap.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We take for granted some of those things, some of the amenities we have each and every day, not knowing or remembering there are some people without. When times like these come, we are just glad to be a space. We have a lot of partners who have come together to make this happen, but we just happen to have the space to be able to provide warmth for somebody else.”

— Reverend Domini Henry, Reverend

“I wish I could wave a magic wand and it's no more homelessness, but that's not the case. The thing to do is try to offer them the love of God, offer them kindness, and make them feel welcomed and wanted.”

— Gerald Snell, Senior Shelter Manager

What’s next

Shelters will remain open and continue coordinating efforts as long as the life-threatening cold temperatures persist in the Jackson area.

The takeaway

The expansion of shelter capacity in Jackson ahead of the extreme cold snap demonstrates the vital role these organizations play in protecting the city's vulnerable homeless population from the dangers of winter weather. Their coordinated efforts to ensure no one is left out in the cold reflect the community's commitment to caring for its most at-risk residents.