08/19/2026
Last week, the City of Valdosta officially celebrated the ribbon-cutting and dedication of the Jeanette Newbern Coody Warming/Cooling Shelter, marking a new chapter for a facility centered on compassion, safety, and service.
Located at 1104 W. Gordon Street, the shelter will provide residents with a safe and welcoming place during periods of extreme heat and severe cold. Its new name honors Jeanette Newbern Coody, whose lifetime of service left a lasting impact on Valdosta and communities throughout South Georgia.
Mrs. Coody’s legacy includes founding The Haven, Valdosta’s first shelter for victims of domestic violence, and dedicating her life to creating places of safety, support, and hope for people during some of their most difficult moments.
The ribbon cutting brought together City leaders, community partners, friends, family, and residents to celebrate both the future of this important facility and the remarkable woman whose name it now carries.
Take a look back at a few moments from the celebration. 📸