Local Church Opens Doors During Cold Weather For People Experiencing Homelessness

A historic church is opening its doors to help folks looking to escape the cold temperatures.

St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral said they’re answering a call for help from the community.

“This is the first time though that we've been an emergency cold weather shelter,” Katie Churchwell said.

The historic church has been a place of refuge for so many people for years.

“During the Murrah building bombing St. Paul was instrumental. Right back there in our garden was a place where our first responders were able to come and receive that same respite that we’re providing now as they left the trauma and the devastation of the Murrah building bombing,” Churchwell said.

Reverend Churchwell said opening their doors during frigid temperatures is part of a continued effort to serve others.

“It was just an easy yes. It was not something that required a lot of contemplating or even praying about. It was simply this is a matter of life or death, and we chose life,” Churchwell said.

Churchwell said they've been operating as an emergency 24/7 shelter since December. They help men, women and families. They also welcome pets. When temperatures drop below freezing they can expect around 50 people, one being Christopher Ford.

“I don't have a lot of places I can go. One of these homeless shelters is all I got,” Ford said.

He said having a place to go that's warm gives him peace. 

“I get to sleep all day if I want to and not have to worry about anything,” Ford said.

Ford said it's also nice to not worry about where he's going to get his next meal. The church is partnering with local organizations to offer three meals a day and case management services.

“We're really able to help people find a way to live a life that is one of quality and live a life that is filled with dignity for who they are as a human,” Churchwell said.