TYLER, Texas — East Texas is bracing for the coldest temperatures it’s seen since 1989, and state data shows more than 25,000 Texans are experiencing homelessness. Local emergency services know a freeze over is coming and they’re ready.
Brian Livingston with Hiway80 Rescue Mission said, “We're always ready. We have extra mattresses, extra linens, and things that we actually can put on the floor."
Cheryl Andreason with Tyler's Salvation Army says they also have space. “We have a 200-bed facility and we're ready for the cold if they if they need to come in," Andreason said.
These teams are acting quickly to fill the void in the shelter but they still have to be careful. We asked them both how they adjust and take COVID-19 precautions in a time like this.
“It’s tough," Livingston said. "We sleep people head-to-toe and spread them out as much as we possibly can. We actually end up putting mattresses in parts of the building that maybe we normally wouldn't, just to help space things out a little bit.”
The Salvation Army is taking these same precautions. The most frustrating part for staff during times like these is meeting people who refuse help.
We are a warming station as well, so they can come in, sit down and warm up a little bit. And then, you know, hopefully, during that time, they'll say 'maybe I should spend the night tonight,'” Andreason said.
Livingston says it's heartbreaking to see. “We know the temperatures are going to be life-threatening, that there's potential for snow and ice and, you know, they're gonna be cold and wet, and they just don't have what they need.”
For this weekend, temperatures are expected to drop into the teens and even single digits by Tuesday. Emergency shelters are stocked, ready and waiting with open arms for anyone who needs relief. They are also both in dire need of winter gear. Hats, gloves and coats can be dropped off right at their front door.