Springs Rescue Mission prepares for coldest week so far this winter
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The days of temporary warming shelters during extremely cold weather are over, thanks to the recent expansion of the Springs Rescue Mission.
City leaders previously set up a warming shelter on Weber Street downtown as an overflow -- due to limited capacity at the mission -- for homeless people and others seeking a warm place to spend the night.
However, the mission's expansion has increased its bed capacity to between 450 and 475, and can easily make more space available if needed.
Mission officials said that they don't expect to reach capacity even on nights with single-digit low temperatures expected this week, but won't have a problem welcoming more people if necessary.
"They're going to be able to find shelter, three meals a day, access to showers and employment coaches, all the different services that someone needs to be able to move forward and hopefully not be in a situation where they need a temporary warming shelter," said mission spokesman Travis Williams.
As part of its cold weather protocol, the mission will keep campus buildings open during the day -- instead of closing them for a few hours for cleaning -- to provide more opportunities for warmth.
Still, many homeless people refuse to stay at the mission, preferring instead to bundle up anywhere they can.
Police said that most of those unsheltered people are prepared for the cold with extra clothing, blankets, tents and even starting campfires -- which officers discourage because of the fire risk.
The mission also emphasizes that it offers meals, showers and other services to people who need them.
That's reassuring to people like Shawn Hines; he became homeless three months ago and was forced to send his wife and son to stay with relatives in Denver while he tries to recover.
"A couple of homeless guys helped me out with blankets and stuff when I had to sleep outside at first." he said. "I've seen frozen feet and hands. It's not like this back home in Georgia, that's for sure."
The area's coldest weather so far this week coincides with the annual Point in Time survey, during which officials and volunteers count as many homeless people as possible -- regardless of being in shelters or out on the street.
"There were almost 1,500 when we counted two years ago before the pandemic started," said Jennifer Mariano, of Community Health Partnership. "What I fear is that there are just as many out there who don't want to be counted. For a variety of reasons, they are skeptical of people who want to help them. It takes time. We'll keep trying."
