As temperatures drop, homeless shelter usage up

The frigid temperatures have area shelters scrambling to find enough beds so no one has to sleep out in the cold. <br><br>The city of Tulsa has put an emergency plan into effect that allows shelters to

Thursday, January 16th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The frigid temperatures have area shelters scrambling to find enough beds so no one has to sleep out in the cold.

The city of Tulsa has put an emergency plan into effect that allows shelters to exceed normal capacity. The John 3:16 mission can regularly house 73 people a night. They do their best not to turn anyone away.

What can be frustrating for shelter workers is not everyone feels comfortable staying there, some choose to brave the elements. Homeless resident, Merritt Parks, "Under a bridge railroad tracks down by the river, wherever I can pitch camp. Well, if I freeze, I freeze you know, I just can't sleep inside, cuz I gotta have my own place."

Shelter officials say they hope citizens won't turn a blind eye if they see someone out in the cold.