CAIRO, Ga. (WALB) - A community collaboration between churches and individuals in the Grady County area is keeping people warm during the current cold weather sweeping South Georgia.

Bethlehem AME Church opened its doors to host The Good Samaritan Shelter. The shelter is open now and will remain open through the plunging temperatures expected this weekend.

Bethlehem AME Church leaders stress the center results from a long-time and ongoing collaboration between area churches and ministers who work year-round to make shelters possible during cold snaps and natural disasters.

“The homeless coalition, the ministerial staff, alliance, and all entities that come together, that’s churches, individuals, they all come together for the common cause to make Cairo a better place for all,” said Pastor Debra Knight of Bethlehem AME Church. “And we just don’t do it for Cairo. We do it for all surrounding counties... but especially for the citizens of Cairo. “

While Bethlehem AME Church is hosting the cold weather shelter right now, the shelter rotates operations between other churches that participate in the local coalition when weather conditions or circumstances require a needs-based community resource center.

Church leaders add it’s a mission of love, meant to fulfill the teachings of Jesus as demonstrated in the Bible.

“You know, when we come to church, and the pastor gives us ministry about helping those less fortunate, we feel like we’re fulfilling the mission when we do what is preached to us,” said Howard Cochran, who serves as a steward at Bethlehem AME Church.

In addition to a warm place to stay, Bethlehem AME Church also has a food pantry and a clothes closet to provide for those in need.

The church accepts monetary, food , and supply donations from the community.

To donate, you can drop off items at Bethlehem AME Church, 412 Second Street SW in Cairo.

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