FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — With low temperatures creeping closer to freezing levels in Arkansas, the salvation army shelter in Fayetteville is making preparations to provide shelter for the unhoused this winter season.
"When people are experiencing homelessness, they are in survival mode," said Patrick Connolley, the Northwest Arkansas area commander for the Salvation Army. "Everything they're doing is to ensure that they make it to the next day. And so, when you add inclement weather, whether it be a storm or it be, you know, ice, snow, or even cold weather, that just complicates what they're doing to survive."
Connolley said that the group has begun pulling out mats and blankets and making sure that they're prepared to accommodate those who need it.
"We begin to pull out the mats and the blankets and get all those things ready so that we can accommodate additional individuals," Connolley said.
On a normal night, the Salvation Army can house 48 people. With their additional warming shelter, they can protect an additional 28 people from the cold. But incase more people need cover, surrounding organizations, churches and shelters step in to assist.
"In Fayetteville, there is the crew, which is the cold weather response group. And so, there's a great network of organizations and churches that help cover that gap," Connolley said.
But the work doesn’t stop to get more resources. That’s why the salvation army is hosting their annual red kettle fundraising campaign. Connolley said the Salvation Army received $350,000 dollars in donations in 2023.
He said the one item they can never get enough of is blankets, as they wear out and consistently need to be replaced.
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