Area homeless shelters expanding access during frigid weather: Here's what we know
As Oklahoma City experiences its first extended blast of arctic air this weekend, the unhoused are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the frigid temperatures.
Where can the unhoused find space to escape winter weather?
There are shelters throughout the Oklahoma City metro that operate year-round, providing shelter, meals and other services to the unhoused.
Three of those shelters are expanding beyond their normal capacity to provide winter overflow space.
Salvation Army Night Shelter
The Salvation Army Night Shelter at 1001 N Pennsylvania Ave. will operate an additional 50 beds for women and children from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The shelter serves single men, women and families and can be reached on Embark bus routes 7, 8 and 38. Limited space for dogs is also available in the shelter's new kennel. Contact: 405-246-1133.
City Care Night Shelter
City Care Night Shelter at 532 N Villa Ave. is expanding to include 20 additional beds for men from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Embark bus route 9 provides access to the shelter, which serves single men and women, as well as families and those with pets. Contact: 405-724-8439.
City Rescue Mission Night Shelter
The City Rescue Mission Night Shelter at 800 W California Ave. will add 50 additional beds for men and 25 additional beds for women and families from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. The shelter can be accessed on Embark bus route 9 and serves single men and women, and families. Contact: 405-232-2709.
Additional specialty shelters in the metro
In addition to the above shelters, Oklahoma City has some providers that offer services to specific populations.
Sisu Youth Services at 3131 N Pennsylvania Ave. provides overnight shelter and drop-in services for youth experiencing homelessness. Overnight hours are from 4 p.m. to 9 a.m. Drop-in availability is from 4 to 7 p.m. Contact: 405-459-7478.
The YWCAat 2460 NW 39 provides emergency shelter to single women and women with children experiencing domestic violence. Contact the YWCA at405-948-1770, or their 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 405-917-9922.
What options are available during the day?
Those looking to escape the cold temperatures during the day can visit the Homeless Alliance's Westtown Day Shelter. Open Monday through Friday, the campus will expand its operating hours for winter to 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. beginning Monday.
Additionally, many public libraries operate as warming stations during winter months in the same way they provide cooling centers in the summer.
All services are based on current availability and it is best to call in advance, when possible.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Homeless shelter services mobilize to meet OKCs first cold snap needs
