Out of the Cold

The homeless shelters at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul have been a haven for those seeking refuge during the current cold snap. On the night of Jan. 20, St. Vincent de Paul Executive Director Michael Acaldo said more than 100 residents filled the center’s shelters. That number was expected to exceed more than 100 again on Jan. 21. Acaldo said the center has a cold weather plan that when the temperature dips to 39 and below, cots are added to accommodate more people seeking to come in off of the streets. Typically the day center, pictured above, has the capacity to house 36 residents during weather or other emergency events but because of COVID-19 protocols that number is 20. Acaldo said he expects the added beds to remain available through at least next week as below average temperatures are predicted.

Photo by Richard Meek | The Catholic Commentator