Shelters open as temperatures drop

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WALA) - The FOX10 News weather team said overnight temperatures Monday, November 12 in Jackson County could be in the mid-to-low 30s.

As a result, the Mississippi Gulf Coast area Salvation Army opened two cold weather shelters.

Captain Andy Bailey, Corp Officer at the Pascagoula Salvation Army, said there are many who need shelter and food in Jackson County.

“We see, on average, 187 families every month that we give out food to in this area, through this social service, and we feed over 36,000 hot meals out of this shelter every year,” said Bailey. 

Monday, they extended their shelter and kitchen to anybody and everybody who wants to come in from the cold.

“It may not be everybody outside, they be in a home without power. They may be somewhere where the conditions deem it necessary they come in where it's warm,” said Bailey.

But, not everyone is willing to accept the Salvation Army's open invitation.

“There's people that just don't want to come in for help sometimes, but that's why I tell people that's what we're here for. Our doors are always unlocked,” said Bailey.

The Pascagoula Salvation Army location on Nathan Hale Avenue houses about 40 people full time.

They anticipate about 20 extra people coming in from the cold. Captain Bailey said they housed 45 more people during Hurricane Isaac. 

“There's a disaster in somebody's life every day. There's a Category 5 in somebody's life today. It may not be a hurricane,  it could be the power getting turned off or not enough food on the table,” said Bailey.

Workers will provide the needy with a cot or mattress and a hot meal. Some visitors may have the chance to stay longer if space is available.

The Salvation Army continues to accept holiday food donations at all of its area locations. The Pascagoula location will serve a Thanksgiving Day meal next week from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.