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After opening their doors a month earlier than last year, the Salvation Army is seeing a need they never expected.
What begins as an empty gymnasium, transforms to a place to rest your head at night for those who have no place to call home.
"We've been seeing quite a full house; upwards of 60 people have been here. And they are lining up outside we open up at 7 and they are lining up at 6:00 [p.m.]," Major Thomas Riggs said.
This year the Salvation Army started out with 40 brand new cots. Now thanks to donations the organization has been able to purchase 40 more just in time for the coldest days of the season.
"Well, we are going to try to be prepared for that. Like I said, we have extra cots. We may just have to push them a little closer together," Riggs said.
But no matter how close the cots get, the point of the warming center for the Salvation Army is clear.
"Well, right now our main focus is making sure the people are safe and out of the elements and that they at least temporarily have a roof over their head so that they can be safe and warm in these cold days," Riggs said.
The Salvation Army warming center on North Cliff Avenue is open every night from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. It is open to anyone and everyone. They supply a cot, blanket, refreshments and even shower facilities.
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