A Chilly Weekend Ahead: Little Rock and Neighboring City Step Up

The upcoming weekend in Central Arkansas is set to bring a significant drop in temperatures. For those seeking warmth, two local shelters will open their doors to the public. In Little Rock, the Dunbar Community Center will start accepting guests at 8 p. m. on Saturday. This shelter is located at 1001 W. 16th St. and will not ask for any form of identification. Pets are welcome here as well. Meanwhile, North Little Rock's shelter at the North Little Rock Community Center (2700 N. Willow St. ) will open earlier, at 6 p. m. Just like its counterpart, this shelter will not require ID and will allow pets to stay with their owners.The National Weather Service's North Little Rock office has warned of a dry and cold weekend. Saturday night is expected to be particularly harsh, with temperatures plummeting to around 19 degrees. Wind speeds of 10-15 mph will make it feel even colder, with gusts potentially reaching up to 25 mph. However, there is some relief in sight. Sunday is forecasted to be warmer, with temperatures rising to a high of around 43 degrees. While these shelters provide a crucial service, it's important to consider the broader issue of homelessness. Extreme weather events like this highlight the urgent need for long-term solutions to support those without stable housing.