Cold Nights Get Even Colder for the Homeless

Vernon has gotten used to living on the streets and admits the homeless need better shelter than the blankets that are near the railroad tracks. "Believe me, especially with weather like this. I don`t know what I am going to do when I get up, I don`t know if I am going to freeze to death but I believe in the lord above and think he`s going to make sure I have a place," said Vernon, a homeless man traveling through Shreveport. The cots are empty now but the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission expects hundreds to fill the beds and spare game room. The cold overnight temperatures forced them to open their doors early to accommodate those in need. "An abandon house without electricity and heat is no place for people to go today," commented Rev. Henry Martin, Executive Director of the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission. Johnny fell into a life with drugs which put him on the streets for years and recalls what it was like on those bone chilling nights. "You get used to it, but you don`t get used to it. It`s unbearable," explained Johnny. The Rescue Mission not only offers a warm shelter but also tries to help any way they can. "Some dry socks, and some dry clothes, and we`ll open up and let people come in, we prepare meals for them. We`ll give them coffee and help them keep their body temperatures up," said the Reverend. For people like Johnny and Vernon, that is everything. "Believe me, if I had a warm place to go tonight I would be there," quietly said Vernon. You can help those in need by donating blankets, pillows, sheets, and hygiene products to the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission. For more information call (318) 227-2868.