LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Warming centers are open across Kentucky as bitter cold weather hits the state. 

The Arthur Street Hotel in Louisville is welcoming homeless people in from the cold, as bone-chilling temperatures affect those without a home. 

“When temperatures are like they are right now, we are out constantly," said Tiny Herron, Arthur Street Hotel director of housing services and founder of the Forgotten Louisville. "It's not just a normal Wednesday night serve. Volunteers are out looking for individuals."

For years, Herron’s outreach group, The Forgotten Louisville, has helped homeless Kentuckians. She said outreach is about building relationships and trust.

“Outreach during the winter months is such a lifesaving effort,” Herron said.

The cold weather has already turned deadly, as Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., confirmed on Tuesday that a man and a woman — who were both homeless — died in Jefferson County from hypothermia.

"That’s the greatest fear, finding someone who has passed away to the elements," Herron said. "It’s heartbreaking because that should not happen here. It shouldn’t happen in the United States." 

Located right off Interstate 65, the Arthur Street Hotel's lobby serves as a warming center

“Especially while it’s freezing like this, individuals can come in, get warm coffee, they can sit in a chair and watch TV if they need to," Herron said. "They get connected to services. We stay in constant contact with VA outreach." 

People can also connect with the common assessment team for housing assessments and get help with getting an ID and Social Security cards. It's lifesaving work that is making a difference for those who need a warm place to be. 

The warming center is open now through Saturday, Feb. 22, in the lobby of the Arthur Street Hotel. Herron said they're seeking financial support and are accepting donations 24/7, such as boots, coats, blankets, thermal socks and sternos, which can be used to keep food hot.