Warming shelter

Two community warming centers will open to take in people who are unhoused or without heat during this weekòòò½ÊÓÆµ™s Arctic blast. (Advocate file photo)

As the temperature keeps dropping, the number of people at community warming centers keeps climbing. On Sunday night, the Salvation Army and Our Lady of Sorrows sheltered 60 people from the biting cold and freezing wind.

During last weekòòò½ÊÓÆµ™s cold front, the Homeless Coalition of the Golden Crescent reports that between three warming centers at First Methodist Church, Trinity Hall at Our Lady of Sorrows and the Salvation Army, 50 individuals were kept off the streets and out of the cold.

In this time of uncertainty, local businesses and volunteers have stepped up to make a difference in the lives of Victoriaòòò½ÊÓÆµ™s most vulnerable residents, donating everything from a warm meal to blankets and coats to time.

òòò½ÊÓÆµœWeòòò½ÊÓÆµ™re at 120% capacity,òòò½ÊÓÆµ Commanding Officer Captain Kenny Jones with the Victoria Salvation Army Corps said.

With only 18 bunks, any overflow men who come into the shelter are given roll-off beds. Last week, the Salvation Army averaged 22 men per night at the shelter. Some nights, the shelter houses up to 25 men. This week, the shelter is seeing up to 24 people a night. At Our Lady of Sorrows, the church is seeing 36 people a night.

òòò½ÊÓÆµœItòòò½ÊÓÆµ™s important that people find shelter. This cold spell could kill you,òòò½ÊÓÆµ Jones said.

The Salvation Army opens its warming centers when the surface temperature drops below 39° or when the chill factor is below freezing (32°).

òòò½ÊÓÆµœSometimes people are scared because of the rules at shelters. But itòòò½ÊÓÆµ™s dangerous if youòòò½ÊÓÆµ™re drinking and itòòò½ÊÓÆµ™s freezing outside,òòò½ÊÓÆµ Jones said. You could go to sleep and never wake up,òòò½ÊÓÆµ Jones said.

Alcohol decreases the bodyòòò½ÊÓÆµ™s core temperature, increasing a personòòò½ÊÓÆµ™s risk for hypothermia if they are exposed to the cold. Additionally, alcohol can reduce the bodyòòò½ÊÓÆµ™s natural shivering response and cause blood vessels to expand which increases heat loss.

In 2021 during winter storm Yuri, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported 246 confirmed winter storm related deaths across 77 counties. A total of 161 of deaths were due to extreme cold exposure related injuries. A total of 158 of those deaths were due to hypothermia and three of those deaths were due to frostbite.

Of the hypothermia cases, 22 people had a history of alcohol abuse or were actively drinking during the freeze.

During the day, the Salvation Army has its Life Enrichment Center open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and serves dinner at 5 p.m.

As a reminder, residents can volunteer online to supply meals or give of their time. Residents can also make monetary donations online.

Warming Centers in Victoria:Our Lady of Sorrows òòò½ÊÓÆµ” Trinity Hall

All are welcome

204 W. Red River St.

From 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Day Center open on Tuesday, January 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Salvation Army

Adult males only

1302 N. Louis St.

From 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Day Center open from Monday, January 20 through Friday, January 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Transportation from Christòòò½ÊÓÆµ™s Kitchen at 611 E. Warren Ave. at 5 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Physical donations can be dropped off at the Victoria òòò½ÊÓÆµ Public Health Departmentòòò½ÊÓÆµ™s òòò½ÊÓÆµœBe Wellòòò½ÊÓÆµ office at 2805 N. Navarro St. Items like new or gently used sleeping bags, blankets, hand warmers, beanies, gloves, scarves and hoodies are being accepted.

For a complete list of warming centers across the Crossroads area and tips on staying warm, check out previous articles.

Madison can be reached by email at mohara@vicad.com.