Metro Atlanta Warming Centers Open During Overnight Freezing Temperatures, With City Sites and County Transportation Options

Warming centers activated as temperatures fall below freezing

Warming centers across metro Atlanta have been activated during periods of overnight freezing temperatures, as local governments and partner organizations move to provide short-term indoor relief for residents who may not have safe heat or shelter.

In the City of Atlanta, warming centers have been opened repeatedly during cold snaps over the past two winters, using recreation centers and coordinated transportation to move people indoors overnight. Activation windows have varied by event and are typically scheduled for evening opening times and morning closure times, reflecting the highest-risk period for cold exposure.

City of Atlanta locations and operating approach

For recent cold-weather activations, the City of Atlanta has used Central Park Recreation Center (400 Merritts Ave. NE) as a primary location, with Old Adamsville Recreation Center (3404 Delmar Ln NW) used as an additional site during certain activations. During some operations, Selena S. Butler Park and Recreation Center (98 William Holmes Borders Dr. NE) has also been used with access limited to women and children for that site.

City activation notices have emphasized that schedules can change based on updated National Weather Service forecasts, and that capacity is limited, with entry and service rules set by the operating agencies.

• Central Park Recreation Center (Atlanta): 400 Merritts Ave. NE
• Old Adamsville Recreation Center (Atlanta): 3404 Delmar Ln NW
• Selena S. Butler Park and Recreation Center (Atlanta, women and children only during certain activations): 98 William Holmes Borders Dr. NE

Transportation coordinated through the Gateway Center

Transportation has been a consistent component of Atlanta’s overnight warming-center operations. In multiple activations, nightly transportation has been provided from the Gateway Center, with return transportation arranged when centers deactivate. The transportation model has also been used in joint city-county operations during extended cold periods, supporting overnight movement to designated sites.

Activation times and locations may change based on forecast updates, and capacity can be limited during peak demand.

Broader metro response: county and city partners

Metro-wide activation patterns show that warming-center operations are not limited to Atlanta. Fulton County has previously published comprehensive lists of city-run warming centers during winter events, noting that hours vary by location and that many sites operate only for the duration of a specific storm or cold-weather window. During past events, listed locations in Fulton County cities have included civic facilities such as city halls, fire stations, and community rooms, reflecting a decentralized approach that depends on local availability and staffing.

What residents should know

Warming centers are designed as short-term, cold-weather relief sites rather than long-term housing solutions. Residents seeking help are advised to confirm hours before traveling, plan for limited capacity, and use official local-government channels for the most current activation details and transportation instructions.