Winter temperatures in Nashville can fluctuate significantly, as cold fronts ushering in frigid Canadian air alternate with warm fronts bringing milder air from the Gulf of Mexico. Overall, temperatures during the coldest month of the year—January—average in the 40s during the day and upper 20s at night.

 

Each year, as the temperature begins to drop, many homeless people start looking for ways to escape the cold. Homeless men and women who remain on the street are at risk for a variety of conditions caused by exposure to the cold, including frostbite and hypothermia. Many of the chronic problems faced by the homeless, including inadequate clothing, malnutrition and underlying infection, further increase the risk of developing and dying from hypothermia. In addition, many homeless people struggle with alcohol and drug addictions. The use of these substances substantially increases their susceptibility to hypothermia.

 

For those living on the streets of Nashville, there is another way. Because of your gifts, “Cold Patrol” is a valuable part of the Nashville Rescue Mission’s ministry to reaching and rescuing hungry, homeless and cold people from extreme weather. When the temperature drops below 36 degrees, the Mission’s “Cold Patrol” team hits the streets warning the homeless of the dangers of staying out in the cold and inviting them into a place of warmth, safety and security. With your help, lives are being saved.

 

Interested in hosting your own coat, glove or blanket drive to help the homeless stay warm? Click here to download posters and other resources to help you host your own event.