Metro Shelters In 'Overflow Mode' As Cold Sets In

With temperatures and wind speeds pushing conditions into dangerously cold territory, the blast of winter weather can be deadly for those forced to live out in the elements.

Homeless shelters around the Oklahoma City metro-area have been in “overflow mode” for the past few days, hoping to make enough space for every person who may need it.

“For something like this where we know days in advance it's going to get bad, those street outreach teams are going out under bridges, into camps across the city saying' you know you really need to come in on Saturday, it's going to be life threatening,'” Homeless Alliance Executive Director Dan Straughan said.

“Overflow mode” means setting out cots or mats, depending on the shelter. It also means opening up rooms that may not normally be designated for sleeping. But those that do need the overflow space are grateful.

“This isn't the way of life, sleeping in a tent, being out in the cold minus like 12-degree weather it's not fun,” William Frace said while looking for a place to stay.

“You don't have the behavior problems you have on a night in the middle of the summer because everybody recognizes what it's like not to be in the shelter,” Straughan said.

A partial list of shelters is below:

http://homelessalliance.org/

https://www.cityrescue.org/

http://salvationarmyokcac.org/

http://www.jesushouseokc.org/

http://www.ywcaokc.org/ - women and children only