HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — As freezing temperatures and winter weather move through the Tennessee Valley, the Downtown Rescue Mission said no one seeking shelter will be turned away.
Staff at The Downtown Rescue Mission said the cold has led to a steady increase in people coming through their doors for a warm meal and a place to stay. Jonathan Walsh, the mission’s executive vice president of development, said they see a lot of regulars, but the extreme temperatures often bring in people who do not typically use shelter services.
LIST: Warming centers open throughout the Tennessee Valley
Walsh said the mission is nearing capacity on the men’s side and has exceeded capacity in the women’s area, but this won’t stop them from welcoming people in. Walsh said they will use additional space and extra sleeping mats if necessary.
“If we have to put extra mats down because we don’t have beds, we have more mats,” Walsh said. “The goal is to get them in here, get them warmed up, provide a warm meal, a shower and hygiene supplies, and keep them out of the elements.”…