MIDLAND, Texas — As the Permian Basin deals with frigid temperatures, warming shelters are taking in plenty of West Texans, despite being over capacity.
That is the situation over at the Midland Salvation Army.
There is no shortage of those who are using the life-saving services that warming shelters provide to stay safe from the cold temperatures.
Although the Midland Salvation Army warming shelter has seen a big influx thanks to the weather, any challenges that reality creates does not stop them from helping anyone who walks in their door.
Winter is primetime for warming shelters.
“Demand is high and resources are few," said Captain Robert Coriston, commanding officer at the Salvation Army of Midland.
A lack of staff at the Salvation Army of Midland is making it tough.
“We need to raise the funds to hire more," Captain Coriston said. "Having one shelter monitor in charge of – now we’re getting close to 100 clients – it can be a little draining.”
While draining, Captain Coriston said they won’t turn anyone away.
“The shelter, which is 70 beds, was all the way full, and we were still using about 10-12 cots even before the weather," Captain Coriston said. "And then when the weather hit, that’s when we opened it up even further, and now we got cots going up and down each hallway, in the dining hall and in the TV rooms.”
While the shelter has been able to provide food, coffee, hot cocoa and other services, donations are needed.
“We’re always looking for, of course, monetary donations – that will stretch the furthest," Captain Coriston said. "But, if it’s gift-in-kinds, we’re looking for coffee, we’re looking for jackets, we’re looking for cups, cocoa, pastries – that kind of stuff is something that we can really stretch.”
Hats and gloves are also needed.
If the weather gets to 42 degrees or colder, their warming shelter will be ready to help.
“We know it’s coming every year, so we try to get as prepared as we can, and we’re just grateful that we got a community that supports us in this effort and we just are looking forward to continuing to do so," Captain Coriston said.
Captain Coriston mentioned that volunteering time to serve food or set up cots helps as well, because their biggest strain right now is being understaffed.
If a person sees someone or knows someone that needs a warm place to stay this winter, the Salvation Army of Midland is always an option.