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Franklin moves closer to opening warming/cooling center at Southbrook under MOU with faith partner
Summary
The Franklin Health Department said an MOU with a faith partner at Southbrook is close to final, which would establish a daytime warming/cooling center for residents during severe weather events. The center would not provide overnight stays but would serve as a daytime landing and coordination point with Red Cross and other shelters.
Franklin Health Department staff told the Board of Health that the city is close to signing a memorandum of understanding with a faith partner at Southbrook to operate a daytime warming and cooling center during severe weather events.
The department said the facility would be run by the faith partner with departmental support for messaging and coordination; it would not provide overnight sleeping accommodations. “There will not be [overnight sleeping], so that's the difference between the shelter and then the cooling and warming center,” a health department staff member said. The library will remain an alternate cooling/warming site during daytime hours, staff said.
Why this matters: Warming and cooling centers give residents a designated place to go when extreme heat, storms, or power outages create health risks for people without climate control. Health staff said the arrangement with Southbrook has been reviewed by the city legal team and, if finalized, would be available for the coming winter season.
Supporting details: Staff said logistical responsibilities will rest with the facility while the department will handle messaging, outreach and coordination with county and regional partners. When asked about capacity, a staff member said she did not have an exact number at the meeting and offered a rough estimate: “I would guesstimate a couple 100.” The staff member clarified that the number was an estimate; final capacity will depend on the facility’s agreed‑upon setup and logistical plans.
Next steps: Staff will finalize the MOU and work through facility and legal details; if the MOU is signed, the Health Department will coordinate notice and agenda placement for council communications when appropriate.
