People Pack Homeless Shelters as Temperatures Drop
By: Jessica Reyes
Updated: November 2, 2011
Being homeless is a tough lifestyle any time of year, but the going gets even tougher as the temperature drops.
Thomas Ribera spends his days looking for work and most nights at a friend's house. After a cold front rolled through Abilene Wednesday, he reserved a room at the Salvation Army on Butternut to ensure a warm bed to sleep in.
"Sometimes I don't even want to stay here because I don't want to come in. You see peoples' faces here...Makes you kind of sad at the end of the day," he said.
The Salvation Army is expecting a full house as temperatures continue to plummet through the night.
"It will be another 20, 25 people. Usually we're about three-quarters full," said Major Parrish of the Salvation Army.
For Gary Sykes, dinner at the shelter became part of his daily routine after getting laid off.
"At least you know you're not going to be stuck out on the street freezing to death or something. I've been here off and on now for probably a month and a half. You just got to go out there, tough it out, and try and find what you can," he said.
Which is exactly what Thomas Ribera plans to spend another day doing Thursday.
"Probably just going to the Workforce trying to get a job," he said.
The Salvation Army is accepting donations for the holiday season. Those who wish to donate can drop off food or monetary donations to 1726 Butternut.
Thomas Ribera spends his days looking for work and most nights at a friend's house. After a cold front rolled through Abilene Wednesday, he reserved a room at the Salvation Army on Butternut to ensure a warm bed to sleep in.
"Sometimes I don't even want to stay here because I don't want to come in. You see peoples' faces here...Makes you kind of sad at the end of the day," he said.
The Salvation Army is expecting a full house as temperatures continue to plummet through the night.
"It will be another 20, 25 people. Usually we're about three-quarters full," said Major Parrish of the Salvation Army.
For Gary Sykes, dinner at the shelter became part of his daily routine after getting laid off.
"At least you know you're not going to be stuck out on the street freezing to death or something. I've been here off and on now for probably a month and a half. You just got to go out there, tough it out, and try and find what you can," he said.
Which is exactly what Thomas Ribera plans to spend another day doing Thursday.
"Probably just going to the Workforce trying to get a job," he said.
The Salvation Army is accepting donations for the holiday season. Those who wish to donate can drop off food or monetary donations to 1726 Butternut.
