BEEVILLE, Texas — Those looking for a relief from the cold in Beeville will find it at First United Methodist Church.
A warming center was opened there last Sunday and is accessible 24 hours a day. Organizers said it will be open until 8 a.m. this Sunday, depending on the weather at that time.
People are welcome to come either short- or long-term. Those running the warming center said it is the volunteers and community donations that make it all possible.
They are calling it a center, instead of a shelter, so both people who are homeless, and those who are not, feel welcome to come and get the help they need.
"We have families come have a meal, just to be warm and fellowship, and then we have those that wants to stay," said Richard Perry, who is helping run the warming center. "We give them, offer them showers, and we also offer them clothing, and we offer them comfort."
Perry is spending 24 hours at the center while it is open this week. As someone who was previously homeless, he said it is important for the center to stay open so those without a home have a place to be during the cold weather.
"You just don't know it until it hits you, and then when you see the love people pour out for you, it even encourages you more to try and find a way out of that," he said.
Perry said at least 35 homeless people come to the center every day.
There were five volunteers helping him on Wednesday, and others frequently ask how they can help.
He said he appreciates anything they can do and knows others will show up to help those in need.
"It means a lot to know that I have -- they've got my back, and they love these people," Perry said.
Those without power or living at home by themselves are also coming to the center for help. Perry said it is important for the local community to help those who are homeless find a way out of that situation. He said he also does not want people to feel uncomfortable asking for help.
"Those that are going through something right now, then the door, they feel more comfortable, the doors open. I want everybody to feel welcome, that's why it's the most important," he said.
If someone wants to help, Perry said people can donate to the church. Whether it is money, clothes or food, he said it can all help provide assistance during the extreme weather.