Homeless shelters full given cold weather

With temperatures dipping below freezing for the first time this season, it’s a dangerous time to be sleeping outside.

Both the Salvation Army and Springs Rescue Mission facilities had to turn away folks last night due to high demand for a warm place to sleep. The Salvation Army housed more than 200 people overnight. Meanwhile, the Springs Rescue Mission was over capacity last night with nearly 250 guys in the men’s shelter alone. On top of that, they had almost 600 people for dinner yesterday. Despite the busyness, these organizations are grateful for the support they get.

“We have such a great community here, people that really care about our guests and our neighbors in need that really want to work together to restore their lives,” said Springs Rescue Mission Development Director Cindy Johnson, “and whether that means bringing more food here or coats, blankets, things like that during the winter months. We just have a great response from our community here.”

The Springs Rescue Mission is on track to open its new facility November 1st that will house 150 more bunk beds.

Both Salvation Army and the Springs Rescue Mission are accepting donations. Springs Rescue Mission can take clothing. They tell me coats and blankets are going quick, and they’d be thrilled to receive more. They also need a good supply of non-perishable food items for what they call emergency foods — protein bars, canned soups and ramen.

We talked to a man named Benjamin Marks who currently lives at the Springs Rescue Mission. He has a job, but is thankful for the chance to live at the mission as he gets back on his feet.

“It has been a blessing to be honest with you. The program has advanced significantly over the last few years,” said Marks. “The resource programs that they make available to help people navigate, you know, going through hard times has been tremendous.”

Springs Rescue Mission can take large furniture donations along with mattresses, too. Meanwhile, the Salvation Army says they’d love to get more hand warmers and water bottles.