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Samantha Hayes ReportingHomeless shelters are anticipating tonight's dramatic drop in temperature; a lot more people may be coming in for their services. Many needing help are families, and that can be a challenge.
The Road Home has facilities for families, making up more of the homeless population than many realize. Most of the time there are separate quarters for men, women and children. As the season changes, so do the kinds of supplies local shelters need, and all of a sudden it may be that way tonight.
Lani McHugh rubs her arms, trying to stay warm in the park, a sign that tonight won't be a night to try and sleep outside.
Lani McHugh, Homeless: "I'm hoping to rely on the shelter, on the waiting list. We'll see."
If she does not find a place in a shelter, she'll need more than what she has on now.
Lani McHugh: "I've been worried. I had a sleeping bag and someone stole it."
Steve Trost: "They'll have summer clothes on when they should have long pants and sweaters on, so we'll be distributing a lot of clothing this weekend."
Steve Trost, with the Salt Lake City Rescue Mission, says in addition to clothes, sleeping bags and blankets are two things in short supply.
Steve Trost: "Some of the folks will come in, get a meal, and decide they'd rather spend the night on the street. And we always make sure they have a sleeping bag and a blanket, but right now we are real low on those. Those things we need."
Sympathy from the public may also be needed-
Steve Trost: "I think it's important for people to realize when somebody is on the street intoxicated and passed, out they can die and they should notify someone of that person. We can bring them to the detox center or over here where they can survive."
The mission sleeps 50 and they will move chairs out of the chapel tonight to sleep possibly 75 on the floor.
Donations are much appreciated, as are items like disposable razors, blankets, sleeping bags and clothes.
