News Summary
In response to soaring summer temperatures, Atlanta has opened new cooling centers to provide relief for residents, particularly for vulnerable populations. One center at Selena S. Butler Park offers bottled water and operates from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Meanwhile, another center in East Atlanta will provide meals and hygiene kits while offering transportation options for those in need. This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to support those experiencing homelessness during extreme weather conditions and enhance community well-being.
Atlanta has opened a new cooling center to assist residents in coping with soaring summer temperatures. The center debuted at Selena S. Butler Park, located at 98 William Holmes Borders Senior Dr NE, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. This initiative is part of the city’s efforts to support vulnerable populations during extreme heat.
The cooling center will operate from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Tuesday and Wednesday, July 8 and 9, 2025. Visitors to the center will have access to bottled water, ensuring that they stay hydrated amid the heat wave. This facility is a crucial resource for individuals seeking relief from the high temperatures.
In addition to the main cooling center, a second center has opened in East Atlanta, in collaboration with Frontline Response and A Home for Everyone DeKalb. Located at 2585 Gresham Road SE, this center will provide cold air and meals, including lunch and dinner, as well as hygiene kits for visitors. It will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is expected to run until June 29 or longer depending on weather conditions.
For residents in need of transportation to the East Atlanta cooling center, options are available daily at 8:30 a.m. from Decatur Library and 9 a.m. from Chamblee Library. Apart from cooling off, guests at this center will also benefit from case management services, which aim to assist them in securing long-term housing solutions.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, nearly 3,500 people experience homelessness in the metro Atlanta area on any given night. This statistic highlights the critical need for resources that offer more than just temporary relief from the weather. Local agencies and nonprofits are focused on providing comprehensive support to meet the needs of the unhoused population, especially during extreme weather conditions.
The opening of these cooling centers is part of a broader strategy by Atlanta officials to provide assistance during periods of extreme heat. The aim is to create safe and comfortable environments for those facing homelessness and other vulnerable individuals in the community. Above all, these efforts underscore a commitment to enhancing the well-being of all residents, particularly as temperatures climb during the summer months.
For detailed updates and more information about available resources, residents are encouraged to visit the city of Atlanta’s official website at www.atlantaga.gov.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Heat and Thunderstorms Predicted Across Georgia
Additional Resources
- WSB Radio: Atlanta Cooling Center Opens
- Wikipedia: Heat Wave
- Atlanta Daily World: City of Atlanta Opens Cooling Center
- Google Search: Cooling Centers in Atlanta
- 11Alive: East Atlanta Cooling Center Opens
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
- Atlanta News First: Non-Profit Opens Cooling Center
- Google News: Atlanta Cooling Centers

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.