Hundreds of people seek shelter from bitter cold

The Salvation Army Cold Weather Shelter opened around 6:00 Saturday night, and about an hour and a half later, it was already full.

The bitter cold temperatures drove hundreds of homeless people to seek shelter.

Director Paul Bauer said they open the doors early on especially cold nights.

“We don’t want people to have to wait outside in the cold,” Bauer said.

Fern Gaylord sleeps at the Cold Weather Shelter every night, but Saturday night she was especially grateful for the warmth.

“It was freezing! I walked from downtown to here and my hands were numb,” Gaylord said. “But here, you don’t have to worry about freezing to death, because you can, especially in this weather.”

Bauer said 157 people were seeking shelter at 505 S. Weber St. by 7:30.

But sadly, some had to be turned away because the center was full.

“If we can’t accommodate them, we’ll let them come in and sit for 20-30 minutes just to get some warmth back in their body,” Bauer said.

Bauer said all shelters are crucial, especially on nights like Saturday.

“This is 150 human lives we’re talking about. They would be out under bridges, in doorways if we weren’t open and they don’t have the materials, supplies to keep warm in this type of weather,” Bauer said.

Gaylord said this shelter has saved her life.

“Thank God they have the shelters,” Gaylord said.

The shelter is in need of donations to protect people from the cold.

You can call Paul or Michelle at 719-632-2054 to donate.