Local shelters take in more people during extreme cold
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JACKSON, Tenn. — After days of below-freezing temperatures, those living on the streets seek refuge in shelters across the area. Area Relief Ministries said it sees the number of homeless men coming to its overnight shelter double. In downtown Jackson, icicles hang from cars, sidewalks are slick with ice and many rush to get indoors, but not everyone has a warm place to call home. “It’s rough as far as in this weather,” Dennis Morris said. Morris has been on the streets for a month. He said when winter weather strikes, it is tough moving from shelter to shelter. “It’s tough as far as walking around during the day,” Morris said. “Most people that think going out to their car and warming it up in the morning to go to work could multiply it by 10 and do it all through the day.” About 20 men took refuge Tuesday at Area Relief Ministries’ Open Arms day shelter. “We just try and be prepared for however many shows,” Gary Ross said. Ross is the program coordinator for ARM’s homeless ministries. Ross said during extreme cold temperatures they do not turn anyone away seeking shelter and food through their “Room At the Inn” program. “Anyone who shows up, we try and make sure that we have the space to accommodate them so that no one has to sleep in weather such as this,” he said. Ross said during winter they see up to 40 men a night. Area Relief Ministries said while the churches provide necessary clothing, they always accept donations, especially during the winter months.
