Day Shelter Opened to Help Homeless During Cold Snap

There is relief for the 1,500 or so homeless in Oklahoma City trying to seek shelter from the bitter cold temperatures because the Homeless Alliance has opened a day shelter.

Thursday, January 7th 2010, 5:38 pm

By: News 9


By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- There is relief for the 1,500 or so homeless in Oklahoma City trying to seek shelter from the bitter cold temperatures. The Homeless Alliance opened up a day shelter where people can receive food, shelter and even health care, which many often go without.

"For things like blood pressure and lesser stuff we have staff here and facilities for them," said Dan Straughan, the Homeless Alliance Executive Director.

At night there are always shelters to provide them with a warm place to stay, but during the day many of the city's homeless population have to fend for themselves.

"For the street homeless, for those not in our shelter system, something like this could be life saving to them," Straughn said. "As bad as it is today this could make the difference."

Gregory Wright, who's been homeless for over a year, said with the weather conditions the way they are, the shelter is literally life-saving.

"Got a good meal and we've just kind of been enjoying ourselves," Wright said.

The shelter, which opened near N.W. 3rd Street and Virginia Avenue, has remained busy with over 150 plus homeless people choosing to stay at the shelter.

The shelter will remain open through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Afterward homeless Oklahomans are encouraged to stay at one of the city's seven overnight shelters.

Officials plan to open the day shelter year round starting in February.

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