The CF Storehouse, a division of Cumberland Fellowship Church, will open a 24-hour warming shelter through Tuesday to provide food, clothing, and a safe place indoors.
CF Storehouse Director Tommy Ritter said the shelter opens when temperatures drop for multiple days and residents need a place to get out of the cold. The operation will run continuously to serve people without housing and others who may lose power or need temporary relief.
“So when the weather drops below a certain temperature for multiple days, we try to provide a warming shelter,” Ritter said. “We just want it to be available for anybody that needs to either stay the night or maybe just get in for a little bit out of the weather.”
The shelter will operate through a partnership that brings sleeping accommodations to the site. Ritter said the Storehouse does not have permanent rooms or bedding, so outside support makes overnight care possible.
“We normally partner with somebody, and we’re partnered with Cumberland Good Samaritans,” Ritter said. “They have an emergency management trailer stocked with cots and blankets, and we’ll have that trailer at the Storehouse so people have a place to sleep.”
Beyond overnight shelter, Ritter said the Storehouse will keep core services open during the cold stretch. Those services focus on immediate needs and practical assistance.
“There’ll be food and clothing, and our clothing area will be open,” Ritter said. “We also have a limited supply of firewood if somebody needs that.”
The shelter is open to anyone who needs help, regardless of church affiliation. Ritter said the goal is access and safety during hazardous weather.
“You don’t have to be a part of our church to be welcome at the CF Storehouse,” Ritter said. “We just want people to know they can come here if they need help.”
Ritter said people needing assistance can stop by the Storehouse in person or reach out online. Social media messaging allows staff to respond even when phone lines are not staffed.
The CF Storehouse is located at 608 West Avenue in Crossville. The shelter serves residents across Cumberland County and travelers who may be stranded by weather.
Ritter said donations help sustain the effort, especially during periods of extended cold. The Storehouse accepts nonperishable food, clothing, bedding, furniture, firewood, and monetary gifts.
Space remains the biggest challenge, Ritter said. Limited room requires partnerships and careful coordination to meet demand during severe weather.