Memphis opens overnight warming center Saturday at First Baptist Church as low temperatures grip the Mid-South
Overnight operation scheduled from late Saturday into Sunday morning
Memphis is opening an overnight warming center Saturday night as low temperatures return to the region, expanding short-term options for people who lack reliable heat or shelter. The operation is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, and continue until 8 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22.
The site for the overnight warming center is First Baptist Church, at 200 East Parkway North, on the northeast corner of Poplar Avenue and East Parkway. Organizers said all guests are welcome during the posted hours.
What to expect at the site
The warming center is set to provide basic overnight relief from cold exposure. Sack meals and blankets are expected to be available while supplies last. Guests will be asked to check in upon arrival, but identification is not required.
Guests should expect a check-in process at the door and limited resources distributed while available during the overnight shift.
Transportation available through MATA during operating hours
Transportation assistance to the warming center is scheduled to be available through Memphis Area Transit Authority. Ride requests are set to open at 9:30 p.m. Saturday by phone at 901-486-0939, and service is expected to run during warming center hours.
How this fits into Memphis’ extreme-weather response
Memphis’ emergency warming and cooling operations have been activated in recent years during periods of extreme cold or heat. The Hospitality Hub has been identified as the operator of the city’s emergency warming and cooling center programming during severe temperature events, with hours and locations varying based on conditions and capacity needs.
In prior cold-weather activations, Memphis has used a two-location model to increase capacity, including the Hospitality Hub’s facility at 590 Washington Ave and First Baptist Church at 200 East Parkway North. Other activations have operated from First Baptist Church as a consolidated location serving multiple guest groups, depending on the event’s scope and available resources.
Key details for Saturday night
Hours: 10 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday
Location: First Baptist Church, 200 East Parkway North (northeast corner of Poplar and East Parkway)
Entry: Check-in required; no ID required
Services: Blankets and sack meals while supplies last
Transportation: MATA ride requests at 901-486-0939 starting 9:30 p.m. Saturday
The warming center is a short-duration, weather-driven resource intended to reduce immediate risk from cold exposure during overnight hours, particularly for residents experiencing homelessness and others without consistent access to heat.