Oklahoma City shelters activating cold weather contingency plan

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — Oklahoma City is activating its cold weather contingency plan tonight, which means shelters across the city will add extra beds to make sure everyone who needs a warm place to sleep has one.

“We just want everyone to come in, out of the cold,” said Janet Miller, residential services manager for Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army is part of the network of agencies and providers that make extra space when it dips below 32 degrees. Their regular shelter can hold 109 men, women and children. Under the cold weather contingency plan, they can sleep an additional 90.

“There has been a spike in the number of unsheltered homeless over the past year or two, so this winter is especially critical so folks are safe from this severe cold,” said Major Stephen Ellis with the Salvation Army.

Since it will stay cold the next several days, the Salvation Army expects more and more people to come in.

“The feedback is really great,” Miller said. “The people are really grateful to be in out of the cold. We are lucky that we have a place we can accommodate the people.”

The Salvation Army can always use blankets, gloves and thick socks this time of year. You can drop them off at 1001 N Pennsylvania Ave.