John 3:16 Mission Opens Warming Shelters For People Experiencing Homelessness

The winter weather makes living conditions even tougher for the homeless, so local shelters are stepping up to help those in need.

"I would hope that they would pause for a moment and think about... that there are people out there that haven't been warm for days," Reverend Steve Whitaker with John 3:16 Mission said. 

Whitaker says they are continuously working to make sure they can take care of as many of the homeless as possible.

Sometimes though, they say that's easier said than done.

"Some people are independent in a good way, some people are independent in a bad way, I just want to do what I want to do and I don't anybody to tell me when I want to go to bed, when I have to go to bed and when I have to get up," Whitaker said. 

The nonprofit says they have warm shelters and essentials ready, hoping they can get enough people in to help them turn their lives around.

Reverend Steve Whitaker admits the homeless problem is never ending.

He says although he loves it when people donate or volunteer, simply being more empathetic and educated on mental health can lead to positive change.

"If I lost everything I cared about, if I lost my home, lost my car and the person that I love the most decided she wanted somebody else besides me, I would probably go through a time of depression as well," Whitaker said. 

Whitaker says on the bright side, he's seen more people give back, which has made a tremendous impact.

"We've got a growing homeless problem in our community, and along with that people have continued to give and are generous... continue to be generous, and we need that," Whitaker said. "I wanted to take a moment to those folks that have given to many people and dug pretty deep."

John 3:16 Mission says they have four teams working daily to help bring the homeless inside.