By Alexa Mostrom, Fox23 News
TULSA, Okla. — Outreach teams and shelters are getting ready for this weekend’s winter weather. Mack Haltom with the Tulsa Day Center says they have been at max capacity the past few days.
“We’ve had anywhere from 320 to 350 come in daily. Wall to wall right now, our night shelter has been in inclement weather mode as well we’re taking anywhere from 20-30 extra at night,” said Haltom.
Haltom says they have been sending outreach teams out all week, hoping to get people on the street inside before the cold weather hits. Last year, they saw more than 1,000 people take shelter at various agencies.
He says this is a good opportunity to talk to people about their situation and finding permanent housing.
“I look at this as an opportunity for our staff to engage folks who have been unsheltered, seeing where their needs are. I know it’s an emergency situation but if we have the opportunity, we have to engage a little bit,” said Haltom.
Haltom says the Tulsa Day Center has been working with other local agencies. They’ve been coordinating and sharing resources, getting ready to tackle the weekend.
“There’s efforts made not just by the Tulsa Day Center, but all over the city. I’m so grateful for how the cities responded, Housing Solutions and all the other agencies we work with,” said Haltom.
The Salvation Army is one of those agencies the Tulsa Day Center has been coordinating with. Brent McQuarters with the Salvation Army says they’ve been busy getting the Center of Hope ready for the upcoming storm.
“Over the years, some have expired on the streets. Even last year, being here in regard to that winter situation, just getting to where bodily functions are not able to function normally if you will,” said McQuarters.
McQuarters says they will have hot drinks, snacks, a movie and friendly faces ready to help at the Center of Hope this weekend.
“It’s important to at least make contact with those individuals, let them know these resources are available, even if they don’t want to stay long term, at least temporarily let them come in move get warmed up limbs are able to move nothing is freezing in that regard,” said McQuarters.
If you are out and you see someone on the street, it’s very important you call 911’s non emergency number and get them help, or you can call the Tulsa Day Center’s outreach teams at 918-592-4183.
If you want to donate, you can drop supplies off at the Day Center. For more information on donations, click here.
You can also find more information on donating to the Salvation Army by clicking here.
