CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — After a warm-up Wednesday afternoon, we are expecting another chilly night across the Coastal Bend.
Anytime temperatures dip, area homeless advocates prepare to help folks looking to get off the streets or to just stay warm.
"Are you hungry?"
It's the first question Marilena Garza typically asks those who call the streets home, and the answer is always the same.
Garza, a homeless advocate, operates a non profit called The Free Store.
She carries items such as hand warmers and hygiene kits in the trunk of her car.
With near-freezing temperatures, she is seeking out area homeless to make sure they have what they need to survive the night.
"Folks really need dry clothes, waterproofing items," she said. "You can get frostbite (when it's) as warm as 71 degrees."
Garza said the warmer South Texas weather can often be deceiving for those who are not prepared for a drastic drop in temperatures. She has had friends who have died due to the cold.
"Nobody gives you an instruction manual on 'This is how you are going to survive homelessness or extreme poverty,' " she said. "You make one mistake and you could die."
Donations are vital she said, and the need is great.
"Somebody needed to do something, and I decided I was somebody and I could do something," she said.
At Metro Ministries off Leopard Street, folks often line up and wait outside at the non-profit's Loaves and Fishes kitchen, which serves free lunch and dinner.
Chief Executive Officer Patty Clark said the kitchen typically serves 1350-1400 free meals between lunch and dinner Monday-Friday. She said she also has seen the need rise, but especially when the temperature changes.
"So many in the population we serve live for the day," she said. "They are not always planning ahead, so they are taken by surprise. We stock plenty of coats, caps, and sweatshirts."
They, too, rely on the public for help.
"They don't have a place to store belongings, so its a start-over every season for what they need," Clark said. "When that cold front hits, they are going to need that poncho, the jacket, a lightweight blanket."
Carole Murphrey at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission said the shelter saw more than 200 folks stay Tuesday night and expected the same Wednesday night.
She said they are in need of bottled water, as well as winter clothing.
The Free Store has a website with more information on how to donate.
Metro Ministries is located at 1919 Leopard St. and can be reached at (361) 887-0151.
Good Samaritan Rescue Mission is located at 902 Nueces Bay Blvd. You can call them at (361) 883-6195.