Denver's Homeless Shelters Weathering The Cold But Still Need Help
DENVER (CBS4) - Homeless shelters across the metro area have been working overtime to accommodate those who are less fortunate during Denver's cold spell, and they're reporting no signs of slowing down.
The Salvation Army said they've been open 24 hours a day at their various locations since Monday. They've been averaging about 600 people a night -- mostly men -- and haven't turned one person away.
According to the Salvation Army on Saturday, they've been going out on the streets and doing "search and rescue" for two nights in a row. Because of the length of the cold spell they are in need of supplies such as blankets, socks and small hygiene items. They are also appealing to restaurants to contribute food as they feed people three hot meals a day.
LINK: Salvation Army Housing and Homeless Services
Catholic Charities reported housing approximately 360 people a night at Samaritan House, a facility for men, women and children. Samaritan House is always full, but can expand to let people use benches and conference rooms. Socks, gloves, hats, coats, and underwear are needed. Money can be donated for food costs at ccdenver.org.
The Denver Rescue Mission reported a record evening Thursday night as 594 men were checked in between two shelters. Although the Rescue Mission has never had that many men before, they're not at capacity. The Lawrence Street shelter houses 315 and is full, but an emergency shelter holds another 322.
"They ain't going to let you stay outside; they'll get you in somewhere, put you in the hallway whatever," said Douglas Melvin, who is homeless.
The Rescue Mission hasn't reached capacity at any point since it opened the emergency shelter last Friday. Both shelters will stay open through Wednesday, serving three meals a day. Blankets, coats, scarves, boots, gloves, hats, canned food and non-perishables all can be dropped off at the Lawrence Street Location.
"The only thing we have to offer today is blankets," Denver Rescue Mission Director Brett Vansickle said. "We are out of socks, gloves, hats … it's been the first time in five years that we have been out of this stuff."
LINK: Denver Rescue Mission
