EAST TEXAS (KYTX) - Any time temperatures reach 95 degrees or above, the Salvation Army opens its doors and offers people a cool place to stay, whether that's overnight or just a couple hours.
Phil Anderson with the Salvation Army says their services are free to people who need them (regardless of whether they have homes).
"Sometimes we have families that don't have air conditioning in their homes. Maybe the peak of the day, they'll come here and stay inside out of the heat, if they don't have air in their house." he said.
Antonio Saenz says the Salvation Army is a blessing to him during the summers.
"It helps me a lot because that way, I won't be out there all sweaty and wondering where I'm going to lay my head or what's going to happen to me." he said.
A cool place to stay with three meals served daily is not all the Salvation Army offers during the summer.
"We give away fans daily." said Anderson.
Anderson says fans run out quickly during the summer. They hand out about 60 of them every week. And right now, there's only a three-week supply of them left.
Bags filled with food are also available at no cost. Anderson says the Salvation Army even has a limited amount of money to assist people with their utility bills.
"I've had hard times myself and someone helped me in the past. So, in turn, I'm able to do the same for others through the Salvation Army."
Unlike the fans, food here is available all summer long. Stop by the Salvation Army Monday through Friday between 9:30 and 4:30 to pick one of them up. To receive a free fan or bag of food, just bring your ID.
For assistance with utility bills, bring your ID, disconnection notice, a copy of your lease or property tax statement, and proof of income within the past 30 days. Funds are limited and the amount of money offered is determined on an individual basis.
