The most often asked question concerning Coldest Nights operation is, “Will you be open tonight?” Naturally, there is always a good feeling associated with being able to answer, “Yes!” It pains all of us to say no when we know temperatures are not cold enough to open our facilities but still too uncomfortable for people to be outside. Currently, Coldest Nights utilizes two separate locations to provide emergency shelter for adult men and women in Rutherford County when the temperature is forecast to be below 32 degrees; however, we are striving to provide more than shelter on cold nights. The Mission’s plan is to be a full-time shelter that never has to say no due to weather conditions. Our current plan is to build a 28,000 square feet facility that will sleep up to 200 guests and will meet a variety of other needs. These plans call for a shelter that will take care of the emergency needs of men, women, and women with children, and provide life recovery programs for men and women. We’re also working on short-term intact family needs to help with this fast-growing population. Please put us on your prayer list as we work towards these goals.

If you are interested in volunteering to help clean facilities or wash and fold sheets and blankets during the upcoming season, please call:

Ed at (615) 605-1705.

As I meet and talk with many of you, I hear over and over, “Ed, we’re praying for you and the work of the Mission.” Those words mean the world to me. This has been a long journey and your encouragement is a reminder that God has put people around me to let me know we are in this together.


Thank you,
Ed Grimes
Executive Director