LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – With temperatures below freezing this week, Salvation Army Lubbock is helping those without a warm place to stay. Wednesday night, it deployed its “Cold Patrol” response truck and is ready to send it back on Thursday and Friday if needed.
“Some people are used to life out there, they are used to this, but this is dangerously cold temperatures. These are life-threatening temperatures,” said Major David Worthy.
The Salvation Army set up more cold cots to accommodate more arrivals. Erica Hitt, director of Social Services, expects between 50 and 60 people to take shelter from the snow, but they won’t turn anyone away.
“Once we put them in the cold crib, we provide them with hot showers, a warm meal, everything just to keep them comfortable overnight. And we’ll do this during winter storms,” Hitt said.
The “Cold Patrol” unit is deployed for the storm, handing out hot meals and drinks and things to keep everyone warm. The main goal is to bring everyone back to the home to have a warm place to sleep.
“The key is one, trying to get people off the streets, putting them in shelters. But if we can’t, we want to get them through the night at least by providing them with things that will sustain them through the night,” says Worthy.
Worthy says that people experiencing chronic homelessness may want to try and get over it. Raymond Kimbrell, who is taking advantage of a cold crib, is urging them not to do so.
“Going to the Salvation Army is fine. It’s very cold out there. It’s bad to be out on the street. I’ve been doing this for about four years since I got out of the Marines. Hey, that’s okay. Just come and do your thing. Not so, don’t be ashamed to go to the Salvation Army, they are here to help,” Kimbrell said.
Salvation Army Lubbock needs your help to continue. They need to donate cold gear including gloves, scarves, hats and hats, blankets and hygiene items.
“We rely a lot on the community for donations, and those are cold nights. We need blankets, we need gloves, we need hygiene products,” Hitt said.
If you would like to contribute or if you need help, contact the Salvation Army at 806-765-9434 or visit them online here.
You can find more information on their Facebook page here.
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