When freezing temperatures hit, the Beacon Center in Spruce Pine is a vital refuge for those seeking shelter from the cold. Located in the Fellowship Hall of the Spruce Pine United Methodist Church at 11090 Highway 226 S, this warming station opens its doors on “Code Purple” nights when the temperature is 30 degrees or below.
Launched in December 2022, the Beacon Center offers a warm place to sleep as well as beverages, snacks, and even shower facilities. It operates from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., providing guests with cots, bedding, and, in some cases, free sleeping bags.
In its first season, the center served several guests, especially during emergencies like the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day power outages of 2022. The center has received community support through donations and assistance from local organizations and churches.
However, they still face challenges, primarily in gaining the community’s trust and securing enough volunteers, especially for overnight hosting. Days of operation are communicated through various channels, including local radio, social media, and a distinctive purple banner displayed during operational nights.
For those interested in volunteering or seeking more information, the Beacon Center can be contacted via email at Beaconcenterofsprucepine@gmail.com or by phone at 828-467-5544 or 704-516-3845.