DeKalb County warming centers to open Jan. 24-26 due to “Winter Storm Fern”

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– Due to forecasted freezing temperatures and hazardous wind chills weather forecasters are referring to as “Winter Storm Fern,” DeKalb County is activating warming centers for those in need of shelter. 

The warming centers will open beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan.24, Sunday, Jan. 25, and Monday, Jan.26. 

The following locations will be open on Jan. 24 through Jan. 26 for the 24-hour activation:

• Exchange Park Intergenerational Center, 2771 Columbia Dr., Decatur
• Frontline Response International, 2585 Gresham Rd SE, Atlanta
• St. Vincent de Paul, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Rd, Chamblee
• Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 593 Parkdale Dr, Scottdale, GA 30079

All transportation routes originate from Frontline Response Headquarters (2585 Gresham Rd SE, Atlanta) and are scheduled for initial pickups to be completed by 7:30 p.m. Following the initial routes, final sweeps will continue from 7:30 p.m. until 10 p.m., ending promptly at 10 p.m.

During warming center activation, transportation pickups will be available to Frontline International according to the following schedule:  

Route 1 – North DeKalb / Chamblee-Tucker

• North DeKalb Senior Center – 3393 Malone Dr, Chamblee, GA 30341 – 6:05 p.m.
• St. Vincent de Paul – 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 – 6:15 p.m.
• Chamblee Library – 4115 Clairmont Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 – 6:25 p.m.
• Chamblee Walmart – 1871 Chamblee Tucker Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 – 6:40 p.m.
• Tucker First United Methodist Church – 5095 LaVista Rd, Tucker, GA 30084 – 7:00 p.m.
• Brookhaven MARTA Station – 4047 Peachtree Rd NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319 – 7:20 p.m.

Route 2 – Central / Decatur / Emory

• East Lake MARTA Station – 2260 College Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 – 6:10 p.m.
  • Decatur Library – 215 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030 – 6:25 p.m.
  • Emory Decatur Hospital – 2701 N Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA 30033 – 6:45 p.m.
  • Mason Mill Recreation Center – 1340 McConnell Dr, Decatur, GA 30033 – 7:00 p.m.
  • Walmart 2525 North Decatur Rd., Decatur, GA 30033 – 7:15 p.m.

Route 3 – East / Stone Mountain / Candler

• Candler Rd MARTA – 2427 Candler Rd, Decatur, GA 30032 – 6:10 p.m.
  • Clifton Springs Mental Health Center – 310 Clifton Springs Rd, Decatur, GA 30034 – 6:25 p.m.
  • Hairston Crossing Library – 4911 Redan Rd, Stone Mountain GA 30088 – 6:45 p.m.
  • Stone Mountain Walmart – 1825 Rockbridge Rd, Stone Mountain GA 30087 – 7:05 p.m.
  • Exchange Park Intergenerational Center – 2771 Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30034 – 7:20 p.m.
  • Golden Door Warming Center – 2944 Ember Dr, Decatur, GA 30034 – 7:30 p.m.

Route 4 – South Central / Memorial Dr / Wesley Chapel

• Memorial Dr & Columbia Dr Intersection – Decatur, GA 30032 – 6:10 p.m.
  • South DeKalb Mall – 2731 Candler Rd, Decatur, GA 30034 – 6:25 p.m.
  • QT on Wesley Chapel / Snapfinger Rd – 4075 Wesley Chapel Rd, Decatur, GA 30034 – 6:45 p.m.
  • Wesley Chapel Shopping Plaza Bus Stop – 2495 Wesley Chapel Rd, Decatur, GA 30035 – 7:00 p.m.
  • Golden Door Warming Center – 2944 Ember Dr, Decatur, GA 30034 – 7:15 p.m.
  • Exchange Park Intergenerational Center – 2771 Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30034 – 7:30 p.m.

Frontline Response International is contracted by DeKalb County to serve individuals in need during extreme weather conditions. Individuals may arrive directly at Frontline HQ beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday for assistance with warming center placement and additional services.

Contact & Walk-In Information

Transportation & Coordination Assistance:
Frontline Response Dispatch: 404-334-3610
Frontline HQ: 2585 Gresham Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 

Early Entry Access

Individuals may arrive directly at Frontline Response Headquarters (2585 Gresham Rd SE, Atlanta, GA 30316) starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 24th. 

Additional Community Warming Centers

In addition to the county-operated centers, the following community partners are also providing warming center services:

New Life Community Alliance (NLCA) Warming Center:

Address: 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur, GA 30034

Hours: Nightly 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM (line up begins 5 PM).

Capacity: 35 beds (18 men, 17 women).

Tucker First United Methodist Church Cold Weather Refuge (Men & Women):

Dates: January 24, 2026 (Saturday), through January 27, 2026 (Tuesday).

Address: Activities Center, 4315 Church Street, Tucker, GA 30084.

Admission: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (strict; guests depart by 8:00 AM). Includes health check, hot meal, cots, showers, and laundry.

Capacity: At least 28 people. Arrangements for families with children can be made off-site.

Contact: Don Andersen, 470-431-7800.

For more information about centers offered by DeKalb County and its community partners, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/weather.