Record Low Temperatures Mean Record Highs at Shelters
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JACKSON, Tenn. — The cold temperatures make it nearly unbearable for people to be outside, but some do not have much of a choice. More people sought shelter from the cold Thursday night than any other night so far this year. As the temperatures dropped, the number of check-ins at the Room in the Inn continued to rise. “I’m very grateful they have opened a facility like this to help people like me that are homeless,” John Winslow said. Winslow has been using Room in the Inn as a resource since December 10 of last year. Each night he checks in and waits to learn where he will be taken for a hot meal and a warm bed. A local volunteer said freezing Thursday night was not an option. “When its dangerously cold like tonight we don’t want them out. I’ve told these guys before, our church bus holds 23 passengers, if we need more I can make multiple trips,” volunteer George Dean said. Area Relief Ministries oversees Room in the Inn and said the nights with freezing temperatures have been record-breaking not just in temperatures, but in the high number of homeless men seeking shelter. “Over the last 2 nights we’ve had a pretty high number, up to 30 guests, highest we’ve had this season,” executive director Lisa Peoples said. Winslow said he is grateful for the local churches and the ministry because if it were not for them, he is not sure how he would stay warm at night. “I don’t know because I don’t have friends, I’d probably just be under a bridge,” Winslow said. Area Relief Ministries said they had 30 men stay on Wednesday night and 28 men stay on Thursday night, when they typically have less than 20.
