Cold weather shelters open again tonight
As low temperatures sweep in along the Gulf Coast for the second night in row, cold weather shelters are open so no one has to sleep in the cold.
What usually serves as the fellowship hall at St. Peter’s by the Sea Episcopal Church on 15th Street in Gulfport is now a space of warmth, security, protection, and comfort. Salvation Army Area Commander Major Jerry Friday said, “We received 11 individuals who were seeking shelter from the cold weather.”
Preparing for another night below 35 degrees, the church opened its doors at 4 p.m. as a cold weather shelter.
With help from the Salvation Army and Feed my Sheep, shelter and food are offered to those who pass mandatory health screenings. “We did a COVID screening of every guest who came in as well as a temperature check and a sobriety check.”
They haven’t had to turn anyone away, but if someone does appear sick, they have room to accommodate. “The church has been so very kind and has offered us classrooms if we need to send somebody into a restricted area.”
The cots are socially distanced and spaced apart and men and women sleep in different areas of fellowship hall.
Dinner was served at 6 p.m. and the church’s biscuit brigade prepares breakfast for visitors in the morning. “We had a Gulfport resident stop by with two dozen freshly baked cookies to give to the residents. Things like that just make serving a pleasure.”
The Salvation Army thanks volunteers who help them continue to provide warm shelters to those who need it.
