LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Following several days of hazardous winter conditions across the South Plains, local organizations are transitioning from crisis management to helping their communities recover.<\/p>\n
The Salvation Army experienced a significant increase in people seeking emergency shelter as temperatures plummeted and snow blanketed the region.<\/p>\n
When the storm arrived, the facility was already housing close to its standard capacity of 125 individuals. As weather conditions worsened, staff quickly activated their emergency protocol, setting up additional cold-weather cots.<\/p>\n
\u201cNobody should try to survive the night. It is too dangerous and the last thing we want in the field that we\u2019re in to lose their life on the streets when we have these resources available to them,\u201d Erica Perry, director of operations, said.<\/p>\n
The organization prepared space for an additional 75 to 100 people during the emergency. However, because other area shelters also opened their doors, only 30 extra individuals required overnight accommodation.<\/p>\n
The circumstances that brought people to the shelter were often dire: homes without heating, individuals leaving on the streets, or those with no safe alternatives during the storm.<\/p>\n
For Joe Rennels, the decision to seek shelter was potentially life-saving.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s either in here or possible death. A few years ago, I saw a guy at the old train station by Grace campus froze to death at a sidewalk. This is the best place to be,\u201d Rennels said.<\/p>\n
Rennels has experienced homelessness intermittently over the past decade. He\u2019s currently participating in the Salvation Army\u2019s rehousing program, which helps people rebuild their lives and find permanent housing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been off and on for 10 years. I use to have a drug problem, I don\u2019t anymore, I\u2019m two years off marijuana about one month off cigarettes. I\u2019m sober and I\u2019m proud of that,\u201d Rennels said.<\/p>\n
Throughout his struggles, Rennels has maintained one constant companion: his dog, Daisy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t get rid of Daisy, I can\u2019t do that. I have no one, no wife, no ex-wife, no kids. She\u2019s my best friend, I can\u2019t just get rid of her. I\u2019ve been bouncing on the streets on and off three years because I won\u2019t get rid of her,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Personal accounts like Rennels\u2019 highlight why community support remains crucial. The Salvation Army will keep emergency cots available as long as freezing temperatures persist.<\/p>\n
With increased demand for services, the organization is requesting donations of water bottles, blankets and hygiene supplies. The downtown facility is located near 16th Street and Avenue J.<\/p>\n
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