Hundreds Expected to Seek Shelter at Salvation Army

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9 OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Salvation Army has been preparing for a busy night and expect a rush of temporary residents as the blizzard-like conditions move through the state. Many

Friday, March 27th 2009, 7:31 pm

By: News 9


By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Salvation Army has been preparing for a busy night and expect a rush of temporary residents as the blizzard-like conditions move through the state.

Many people will be seeking shelter as the temperatures continue to drop. The organization is usually closed during the daytime, but once it dips to 32 degrees, no matter what time it may be, everyone is welcome.

In the men's dorm, they're in need of extra beds.

Salvation Army staff are preparing for those who don't normally seek shelter.

"They're out on the streets, they have no one," said supervisor Keri Griffin. "If they do have people they have no one at that moment to go to."

There's no telling just how many extra people will sleep at the Salvation Army, but the organization will be ready.

"We're cleaning them, making sure they're sanitized," said Salvation Army spokesperson Heide Brandes. "We're taking our blankets out of storage."

Linen closets at the charity are nearly bare. Only a few blankets left to sustain Salvation Army visitors through the inclement weather, but there will be plenty of warm food, as the pantry is stocked.

"I have enough food for tonight and 3, 4, 5 months away," Griffin said.

Normally, 100 to 300 people eat at the Salvation Army each day.

Especially as severe weather rolls in, workers said the homeless will need that warm meal, and they'll be happy to serve it.

"Then you know in the future if you're ever down and out of luck and lose a job and you don't have, you know a place where you can come," Griffin said. "People can treat you fair too."

The Salvation Army is in need of blankets and towels, but their main priority is to keep people safely inside

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