It's Getting Colder. What About the Homeless?

SAN ANGELO, TX — The weather is getting cold at night and many wonder what happens to the homeless out on the streets when it is cold. The Salvation Army closed its full-time shelter almost two years ago because of a lack of funding. Absent a large endowment, it's not likely to reopen soon.

The Concho Valley Homeless Planning Coalition in conjunction with the Salvation Army of San Angelo initiated the “Out of the Cold” program last winter, and it provides shelter to those experiencing homelessness when the nighttime temperature is expected to reach 35 degrees by 5 a.m. the next morning.

Participants may register from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Salvation Army church, located at 34 W. 3rd St. (parking lot entrance). For weekends and holidays, law enforcement may process clients into the program.

To determine if the OTC (Out of the Cold) program will be activated, the temperature is checked on the Weather Channel hourly app. If the forecast meets the temperature threshold, then the temporary night’s shelter is contacted and advised of the OTC night for that date. For consecutive Out of the Cold nights that are clearly designated on the Weather Channel hourly app, repeat nights are allowed and the client does not have to register or sign in again.