DALLAS, TEXAS - For the second week, The Salvation Army is geared up to shelter more people as a result of the current snow and ice. In addition to its usual emergency shelters in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Denton, the organization has opened its community center in Plano as an emergency shelter at the request of the Plano Emergency Management office. Cots for 30 people are available in the gym at this location, which will only be open as a shelter until the current weather crisis is over.
Here's a breakdown of last night's emergency shelter numbers:
Dallas - 153
Fort Worth - 113 (can take 77 more)
Denton - 23 (can take 22 more)
Plano - 5 (can take 25 more)
TOTAL - 294 (Last week's highest night was 350)
Since the temperature was relatively mild last night, more people are likely to come in today. Plano is already expecting more as a result of people being picked up and dropped off at the center today.
Hosting increased numbers of people creates increased operating costs for The Salvation Army as a result of additional utilities, food service, and staffing costs. Monetary donations can be made at salvationarmydfw.org.
About The Salvation Army