MCGREGOR, TX — Shelter in place orders has forced the homeless community to make tough decisions, especially if they're in rural areas.
Mission Waco explained many rural areas throughout the Central Texas region have little to no resources for those experiencing homelessness, further detailing most programs are in the larger towns and cities.
Mission Waco explaining they have extended their shelter hours and services during this time, and other shelters have done the same.
"A lot of resources are changing, I know with Mission Waco, for instance, we have a 24-hour shelter 7 days a week so most of our providers have altered services or changed services and you can find those changes on the Heart of Texas Homeless Coalition website," said Executive Director of Mission Waco, John Calaway.
He said if there are people experiencing homelessness in a town that has no resources or programs, its simply a matter of getting transport to an area that does.
Calaway pointing out most counties within our region have rural transport services at little cost.
He explains that its important to note that not all people experiencing homelessness want to be sheltered, but if someone wants shelter or resources available they have options.
"If you're in a small town, look the resources up online find out where you can connect someone tries to help in any way you can, get that person to Mission Waco, or Salvation Army or to a number of the other resources that are here in town," said Calaway.
He said for a list of resources and programs available, call 2-1-1 or visitthe Heart of Homeless Coalition website.