Salvation Army Warming Shelter Helps Many Of OKC's Homeless

Cold temperatures are forcing many without homes to seek shelter at the Salvation Army. The downtown Emergency Shelter has seen a record rise in the last two days of close to 100 people.

Whenever the temperature gets below freezing, the Salvation Army opens its doors to get people out of the cold. A hot cup of coffee can go a long way, especially, when there's snow on the ground outside.

"It feels really good to be inside, they really help out with food, they also give you a place to sleep," said David Slaughter.

Slaughter is one of dozens staying inside the Salvation Army's 24-hour emergency warming center. Its doors have been opening nonstop with people needing a hot spot to go away from the snow.

"Well, we did have overflow, right now, we're in the dining room of our mean's shelter, and of course we had 22 cots came out, which is 22 above our regular maximum here, which is 44. Just making room for folks to get out of this very, very extremely cold weather," said Salvation Army spokesperson, Carlyle Gargis.

"Sometimes you just don't have anything, but at least you have good people, good everyday people," Slaughter said.

The Salvation Army also provides cold-weather gear to anyone staying here. They ask if you have any new coats, hats, gloves or scarves that you donate them to your local Salvation Army.