Cots with pillows and blankets are ready at The Salvation Army in Tyler for emergency shelter as East Texas experiences wintry weather.

From Staff Reports

As much of Texas braces itself for several days of sub-freezing temperatures, The Salvation Army in Tyler is working to help those experiencing homelessness and provide a warm, safe place to get out of the cold, not just at night, but during the day too.

The Salvation Army provides a wide range of emergency services, food and shelter for men, women and families all year round. As the temperatures continue to drop, The Salvation Army is making plans to provide extra overnight beds so those experiencing homelessness can stay indoors and get off the streets.

“It is inevitable that more people will come to us for assistance this week, especially seeking overnight shelter from the bitter cold,” said Captain Jeremy S. Walker, with The Salvation Army in Tyler. “We make an additional 25 emergency beds available in our shelter during inclement weather, on top of the 200 beds available year-round. We will do our best to make sure everyone has a warm, safe place to sleep, and no one is left outside exposed to the freezing winter weather. We currently have 124 people staying in our shelter, including men, women and families.”

In addition to overnight shelter from the cold, The Salvation Army will also open their building to be available during the day as a warming station when the temperature drops below 36 degrees.

“We’ll be opening our doors as a warming station so that people can come in off the streets and warm up a little before going about their day,” said Walker. “They don’t need to pre-register to stay the night, and there is no charge for any services. We just want those in need to be safe during this cold snap and for them to know that The Salvation Army is here for them.”

The warming station will be open Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 633 N. Broadway Ave., Tyler, Texas 75702.

“As temperatures drop, we recognize the critical need for our services, particularly for our most vulnerable neighbors facing real, life-threatening challenges,” said Captain Jeremy S. Walker. “Because The Salvation Army is embedded in the communities where it serves, teams are already on the ground and can respond immediately when a disaster strikes, or weather suddenly turns. As the cold sets in, The Salvation Army will continue to keep hope alive and meet immediate and long-term community needs, not just during this winter, but year-round.”

To make a donation, or for more information about the warming station and inclement weather shelter, please call The Salvation Army at (903) 592-4361, visit us online at southernusa.salvationarmy.org/Tyler, or stop by at 633 N. Broadway Ave., Tyler.