Kingsport shelters step up as winter brings freezing temperatures

KINGSPORT — Winter is in full swing, and with colder temperatures on the way, local organizations are ramping up efforts to provide additional resources for individuals experiencing homelessness.Leaders at several Kingsport shelters and ministries said they face an increased demand as people seek respite from the cold weather.The Salvation ArmyCaptain Crystal Radi with the Kingsport Salvation Army said their shelter is almost always at capacity during the winter."During the colder months, one of the things that happens is that our shelter becomes completely at capacity," Radi said. "We have a day center that's open, and we will let people into the day center whenever it's extremely cold out."The Salvation Army's shelter has 15 beds for women, 15 beds for men and two family units that can hold up to five people each. Radi said any bed that becomes available is quickly filled.Staffing shortages have added complications, particularly in accommodating more people seeking shelter overnight."If we did that, it would mean splitting personnel, and because of the way the building is designed, we're unable to monitor both sides of the building at night with the staff we currently have," Radi explained.To address this, Radi said the organization is exploring potential partnerships with individuals or groups "who would be willing to come into the building at night to act as monitors."The Salvation Army also distributes warming supplies such as gloves, scarves, hats and blankets. Radi said about 40 people a month request winter supplies through the food pantry, while their soup kitchen serves about 100 people daily.In preparation for the increase demand of resource, the Salvation Army does their annual "Winter Ask" campaign, asking the community to donate any winter supplies they have. When staffing permits, the dining room or fellowship hall is converted into an overnight shelter with mats and bedding, Radi said."Normally, people who stay overnight are asked to leave in the morning," Radi said. "But recently, we've been working overtime to allow people to stay longer rather than having to bear the cold."Grace HouseKingsport's newest homeless shelter, Grace House, welcomed its first overnight guests last month just in time for the dip in temperatures."We're very thankful that we were able to complete the bulk of our building renovation and open our shelter doors prior to the harsh winter weather setting in," said Alanna Leonberg, executive director of Grace House. "As temperatures drop, we do expect to see more traffic through our day center and more folks seeking warm beds in our shelter. We're doing all we can to prepare for this increase in demand and appreciate the community's continued support of our efforts."The shelter is operating at full capacity with 20 beds for women and 20 for men. Since opening on Dec. 2, Grace House has recorded 623 overnight stays, with 172 stays by women and 451 by men, Leonberg said.In addition to the shelter, Grace House serves the homeless through a day center, connecting individuals with job services and case managers. Last year, they recorded 1,653 service interactions, averaging 15 to 20 visits daily.Shades of GraceShades of Grace United Methodist Church continues to provide services to those in need during the winter months. Pastor Will Shewey said the church has a clothing closet and an outdoor coat rack, which is replenished regularly by community donations."The community has been really faithful to come every time it gets really cold, and they keep the coat rack stocked," Shewey said. "Anyone who needs a coat, whether they're homeless or not, can find one there."The church also gives out bagged lunches Monday through Friday, serving an average of 130 meals daily. Several local churches contribute to this effort, taking responsibility for meal preparation on designated days."On the days when no one signs up, we prepare the meals ourselves," Shewey said."We also provide showers for men and women," Shewey added. "It's typical for us to see an increase in the number of people who need extra help during the winter."Additional winter supplies, such as blankets and gloves, are kept on hand. Excess supplies are shared with Shepherd's Watch Ministries, a local warming shelter.Shepherd's Watch MinistryJeff Kiser, founder of Shepherd's Watch Ministry, said the shelter operates "365 days a year, 24/7.""We never close," Kiser said. "I've got staff here all day long, and anyone is welcome to come in and get warm."The shelter's occupancy increases during the winter months, rising from 15-18 guests in the summer to 47-50 during colder weather. Kiser also conducts periodic bus runs to pick up individuals in need of warmth or transportation."The shelter also provides food and supplies for anyone who needs it," Kiser added.