Tyler Street Team volunteers help the community in December 2021. The organization helps those experiencing homelessness. (Contributed photo)

East Texans are bracing for a winter storm. Temperatures have already dipped in the 20s and are expected to drop lower with potential for ice and snow, according to the National Weather Service of Shreveport. In Tyler, nonprofits are helping out those in the homeless community by providing warm shelter.

The Salvation Army of Tyler is allowing anyone with identification to enter their shelter 24/7 due to the inclement weather. They have prepared 25 to 30 additional cots in their overflow rooms. In addition, they have allowed current residents to reside in the shelter all day.

As the only shelter in Tyler, The Salvation Army provides for their residents year round and is a shelter during extreme weather in both summer and winter.

“It is important because we do have individuals who, for whatever reason, find themselves without a home. It’s good that we can be here to provide that for them and for the community,” said Salvation Army of Tyler case manager supervisor Indus McDuff.

Due to the increased needs during these times, the nonprofit goes through its donations faster. The Salvation Army encourages people to donate blankets, jackets, towels and food pantry items. You can visit The Salvation Army Social Services Office to donate items from 9 a.m. to noon daily.

Another organization working to help the homeless community is the Tyler Street Team. It has been working on the ground to prepare accommodations for the homeless community. Many will be staying at The Salvation Army of Tyler, according to Tyler Street Team executive director Shana Yeatts.

At Gateway to Hope, the number of people using their services has increased slightly, according to Jason Brandon, Director of Tyler Ministries at Hiway 80.

“We anticipate, as we get closer to the weather changing, we’re going to see even more,” Brandon said.

On Monday morning, people lined up waiting to warm up inside Gateway to Hope. A few people were allowed in before the facility opened to let them warm up, Brandon said. For Thursday, Gateway to Hope will be adjusting their hours. They are open as a daytime resource center from 8 a.m. to noon but on Thursday will be open as a warming station 24/7.

“So they can come and get out of the cold, get out of the elements, get a cup of coffee,” Brandon said. “We’re going to have different snacks and things for them there as well, but we’re just going to open our doors. And for those that need the assistance and need help to get out of the elements, they are more than welcome to come.”

In addition to providing a warm spot, coffee and snacks, they will have jackets, gloves and blankets to distribute to the homeless community. Brandon is grateful for the community’s support.

“I just want to thank our community in Tyler, but also around East Texas and those donating blankets and jackets and water and … coffee. It goes a long way of serving these people. We want to do everything we can to help them,” Brandon said.

In the future, they will need donations to continue providing cold-weather clothing for the homeless community. You can donate clothing, coffee and other items at Gateway to Hope, located at 601 E Valentine or donate online: https://hiway80rm.givevirtuous.org/donate/general-webform-page.

Where to find a warming station in Tyler

Salvation Army, 633 N. Broadway, Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, (903) 592-4361. The Social Services Office is open from 9 a.m. — 12 p.m. as a warming station.

Glass Recreation Center, 501 W. 32nd St., Monday through Friday, 7 am-10 pm, Saturday, 9 am 3 pm, closed Sunday. Open to the public during posted hours with an estimated capacity of 500 individuals. Activities can be scheduled by calling (903) 595-7271

Tyler Public Library, 201 S. College, Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. — 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. — 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m .- 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. — 5 p.m.

Senior Citizen Activity Center, 1915 Garden Valley Road, (903) 597-0781. The center is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, the estimated capacity is 125.

Rose Garden, 420 Rose Park Drive, (903) 531-1349, 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. Monday — Friday

Gateway to Hope, 601 E. Valentine, (903) 617-6097 or (903) 216-9183 8 a.m. — 12 p.m. Monday through Friday. This Thursday they will be open 24/7 as a warming station.

Tips to stay warm

The American Red Cross advises people to wear layers of clothing such as hats, gloves and waterproof, insulated boots, and use caution when tackling strenuous tasks like raking leaves or working out in cold temperatures.

In addition the American Red Cross advises people to watch for hypothermia and frostbite symptoms. Hypothermia symptoms include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Frostbite symptoms include numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy feeling skin. They recommend seeking medical attention when needed.