MEMPHIS – Shelby County government officials have rented a large tent to keep homeless people warm.
With an Arctic blast forecast to follow snow that fell Thursday morning, officials ordered the tent, which was erected in downtown Memphis Wednesday afternoon.
Supervisor Miguel Higareda of Mahaffey Tent Co. told WMC-TV the shelters are usually erected as hospitality tents.
He said the tent can accommodate 125 people and has a floor, lights and heaters.
Shelby County Emergency Management Agency director Bob Nations said the tent was ordered after the nearby Memphis Union Mission filled up with people seeking warmth. It will remain until the frigid weather abates.