Tulsa Homeless Shelters Prepare For Below Freezing Temperatures

Tulsa homeless shelters are keeping a close eye on the forecast and are getting ready for the cold air moving into Green Country.

John 3:16 Mission spent Thursday going to area homeless camps, warning people about the weather and offering a ride to the shelter.

Reverend Steve Whitaker believes this cold front could be dangerous because of how warm it's been. He said some people may not know what's coming.

Below freezing temperatures and wintry weather cause concern for those who live on the streets.

"Our goal is to get everyone inside that wants to be inside," said Mack Haltom, Executive Director of the Tulsa Day Center.

Tulsa homeless shelters are geared up and ready to go.

"We've got the food. We've got the space. We've made plans. We've shuffled on the inside," said Rev. Steve Whitaker, Senior Pastor & CEO for John 3:16 Mission.

"You're probably looking at anywhere from 6 to 7-800 people that will be in the shelters tonight," said Haltom,.

The shelters work together to make sure people have a place to go.

"Unfortunately, someone died out on the streets just across from us a couple weeks ago and I do not want to see that happen again," said Haltom.

Reverend Steve Whitaker said the work they do at John 3:16 Mission warms his heart.

"We're energized by it. We love it. We're created for this," said Rev. Whitaker.

But his heart hurts for the people they can't reach.

"Maybe they have some issue of addiction or some mental illness where they'll stay out in the cold and think they'll be okay," said Rev. Whitaker.

The Tulsa Day Center can house up to 85 people.

"We're not gonna turn anyone away," said Haltom.

John 3:16 Mission has 212 beds, plus 100 mats they can put on the floor.

Reverend Whitaker said the shelter doubles as a warming station once the temperature drops to about 40 degrees.

"We're standing out here perfectly comfortable and in 24 hours it's gonna be killer cold," said Rev. Whitaker.

John 3:16 Mission and the Tulsa Day Center both could use some donations of warm clothing right now.