Red Cross Shelter at Faith Baptist Church housed approximately 12 people after tornadoes came through Troup Co.

Published 4:42 pm Monday, January 16, 2023

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After dangerous tornadoes ripped through Troup County Thursday, Red Cross disaster volunteers responded quickly to provide emergency essentials and emotional support for families in need.

The Red Cross set up a shelter at Faith Baptist Church for those looking for a place to find some comfort in the midst of picking up pieces lost.

Red Cross volunteers Scott Warner and John Coyle sprang into action and set up a shelter in the church. Warner, who normally works in northern Georgia, said the setup was very short notice, and the organization needed a lot of people in Troup County.

“Normally, I work in disaster relief for people who have lost their home because of a local fire or something like that, but they needed a lot of people down here,” Warner said. “They pulled John out of his position in logistics and pulled me out of mine and the next day, we were on the way here.”

During their time in Troup County, Warner said the shelter housed approximately 12 people.

Due to the low number of check-ins, this temporary location will be closing down on Jan. 17 by noon.

“If anybody needs a shelter, they can call a Red Cross, and they’ll let them know where the closest shelter is,” Warner said. “I suspect that’s probably going to be Griffin because that’s the one that they’re sending me next.”

For more information, call the Red Cross at 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).