7 Degrees: Metro's Cold-Weather Shelters May Open At Warmer Temps

NASHVILLE, TN -- Metro Nashville opened cold-weather shelters for the homeless once temperatures hit 25 degrees last winter, but two council members are working to raise that threshold.

At-Large Councilman Jim Shulman and Councilwoman Kathleen Murphy, who represents the Sylvan Park area, co-sponsored a bill to move the shelter threshold to 32 degrees. That would, of course, increase the chances that a shelter would be available, but it would come with some increased costs.

Metro plans to re-visit the change after the first of the year, but in the meantime, two partner shelters have agreed to add extra beds during the seven degree gap. Room In The End will open its day room at night, which opens up space for 80 people and the Nashville Rescue Mission will make another 30 beds available.

Metro plans to decide on shifting the temporary-shelter temperature after January 3.

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