By: Fletcher Cowden
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.- With temperatures in NorthWest Arkansas rapidly dropping, temperatures overnight are unsafe for the community’s homeless.
Temperatures this week will be anywhere from below 20 degrees with a chance of frozen rain and snow.
The Salvation Army has two homeless shelters in the area, one in Bentonville and one in Fayetteville. When temperatures drop below 35 degrees wind chill factor their doors stay open to warm people up. For those that need to stay out of the cold at night, they can stay up to 10 business days.
If an individual needs to stay more than 10 days they work with individuals on a case by case basis.
“Unfortunately we have a serious homelessness problem in Fayetteville,” Local volunteer Madi Reed says, “When it’s cold at night and I’m in bed warm, it gives me the motivation to help out the community especially during this time of year.”
Between the two facilities, there’s a total of 72 beds. If capacity is breached they also have cots and blankets. Breakfast and evening meals are provided to anyone in the community.
The Salvation Army also helps individuals find personal housing.
Before entry, a photo I.D. and a breathalyzer test are required.