Colder Temperatures Approaching, Shelters Prep For Patrons
By: Katiera Winfrey
Updated: October 25, 2012
For many people that find themselves in that situation, it's not always easy to admit they need help.
"We find people coming into town without a plan and they find themselves without work without housing," said Salvation Army office worker Anna Delgado.
However, it may get a little easier when there's someone willing to help. For years, the Salvation Army has been synonymous with providing clothing and shelter for those in need. With homeless on the consistent rise, The Midland Salvation Army has a winter plan.
"If it's 30 or below we will not, we will try to accommodate any one who walks through those front doors, men and women and children," said Delgado.
The problem with across the board admittance is there are only 14 beds for men and between six to nine beds for women.
Delgado said, "Any overflow after the 14 we will put them in the dining room area with a mat and some blankets."
With the winter months ahead, the shelter will most likely need many more blankets and mats.
While the Salvation Army has limited stipulation on who can be admitted, Family Promise is different in the sense that they cater to family groups in need of shelter.
"A signal dad with five children in our program, we're bringing in a single mother come Monday with 5 children. We have a waiting list. We have a single mom with 4 children, so we're seeing an influx of much larger families," said Family Promise Executive Director Tom Miller.
At Family Promise, they cut off admittance at four families. Once the spots are filled that's it. While in previous months the organization hasn't been at full capacity, as of late, things have been picking up.
Miller said, "Probably late September it started picking up. I think people began to realize, winter was coming."
For many families that are admitted or apply for shelter at Family Promise, they come after living with multiple families in poorly weatherized homes that were meant for single family dwelling.
"They've been sleeping on the floors and with the colder weather coming those floors are getting colder, so they're looking for alternatives," said Miller.
They search for an alternative to homelessness and cold. For many, shelters can turn out to be as good as home.
