Freezing Temperatures Take Their Toll On West Texas Homeless Population
By: Jenne Anderson
Updated: December 10, 2012
MIDLAND -- 26 year-old Amy Grado says she's been waiting out the freezing temperatures all day in the lobby of the Salvation Army.
"I was like really cold," said Grado. "And usually I sit outside, and I was like no that's not happening today. So, I came inside."
Grado isn't the only one seeking shelter during these cold times.
"We'll probably see more people than we have the past couple of weeks when the weather gets cold like this," said Salvation Army Chief Operator Tex Ellis.
Ellis tells us the Midland branch of the Salvation Army usually runs at about 95% capacity.
Directors say they haven't had to turn anyone away yet, but they expect to have a completely full house with the temperatures dropping.
"If we have to, we can sleep people on the floor," stated Ellis. "Unfortunately, we have limited space here (Salvation Army)."
And that's not just because it's December.
Ellis says their facility has been full ever since the housing shortage came into the picture.
"Midland, Odessa, and Big Spring run almost at maximum capacity, and have been for quite a while," explained Ellis. "Not just the weather, but due to the housing situation and everything that's going on in the Basin."
Despite her recent struggle, Grado says she's just thankful to have a warm bed while she tries to get back on her feet.
"If you're willing to check in and follow rules then they're here to help," said Grado. "And like I said, you can stay in the lobby and stay out of the weather."
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"I was like really cold," said Grado. "And usually I sit outside, and I was like no that's not happening today. So, I came inside."
Grado isn't the only one seeking shelter during these cold times.
"We'll probably see more people than we have the past couple of weeks when the weather gets cold like this," said Salvation Army Chief Operator Tex Ellis.
Ellis tells us the Midland branch of the Salvation Army usually runs at about 95% capacity.
Directors say they haven't had to turn anyone away yet, but they expect to have a completely full house with the temperatures dropping.
"If we have to, we can sleep people on the floor," stated Ellis. "Unfortunately, we have limited space here (Salvation Army)."
And that's not just because it's December.
Ellis says their facility has been full ever since the housing shortage came into the picture.
"Midland, Odessa, and Big Spring run almost at maximum capacity, and have been for quite a while," explained Ellis. "Not just the weather, but due to the housing situation and everything that's going on in the Basin."
Despite her recent struggle, Grado says she's just thankful to have a warm bed while she tries to get back on her feet.
"If you're willing to check in and follow rules then they're here to help," said Grado. "And like I said, you can stay in the lobby and stay out of the weather."
Like Jenne Anderson's page on Facebook!
