BRYAN, TX — With the arctic blast affecting much of the state of Texas, protecting the homeless population is of much concern in the Brazos Valley.
Twin City Mission, Brazos Valley’s emergency shelter, is preparing to see more individuals walk through their doors as they escape the freezing temperatures.
“We anticipate these types of situations every year, and we had one a couple of weeks ago and we thought that was it and it had passed, and lo and behold we are looking at a longer stretch of more severe weather in terms of temperatures,” said Ron Crozier, Twin City Mission’s Director of Community Relations.
As of Thursday morning, Twin City Mission had 32 beds occupied out of a total of 128. The shelter says in the coming days, they are expecting to see more individuals.
“In situations like this when we’re facing temperatures in the 30s and below for an extend period of time, there has to be some consideration given to those individuals who are coming in for that sole purpose and we are prepared for that,” said Crozier.
While the shelter’s occupancy levels will remain fluid well throughout the next couple of days, the shelter is reminding the community its doors will remain open for anyone needing a warm bed, meal, or a warm shower.
“We can’t control who chooses to come to the shelter and what motivates them to come to the shelter. We just have to be prepared for when they do come to us. Are we adequately ready to meet them where they are and meet their immediate needs,” Crozier said.
Other local resources, such as food pantries, say they are committed to serving the community throughout the inclement weather.
“Our volunteers are so committed, so no matter what the weather is, just about everyone there [at the pantry], they are kind of like the mailman,” said Andrea Derrig with Brazos Valley Church Pantry.
Brazos Valley Church Pantry is open Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The food pantry says they will monitor the weather for Monday, February 15, but as of now, they are planning to be open as well.
As we go through this arctic blast, Twin City Mission akss the community to look out for your neighbors and take advantage of all of the resources available throughout the Brazos Valley.
"We’re told often by the local TV weather people when the cold weather gets here, let’s make sure we pay attention to our three P’s- our pets, plants and our pipes, and that’s important, that's critical. We need to make sure we do that,” said Crozier. “But even more critical is a fourth P, that we would like to put at number one and that’s people. Let's make sure that we take care of the people that could be vulnerable during these types of conditions.”
For other inclement weather resources, you can dial 2-1-1.