Homeless Alliance Faces Overcrowding Amid Extreme Cold

The Homeless Alliance is sheltering hundreds during freezing weather while providing meals and care for both people and their pets.

Wednesday, January 8th 2025, 8:15 pm

By: News 9, Mike Glover

OKLAHOMA CITY -

When the temperatures get as cold as they are, many shelters are beyond capacity, but they’ve seen this before and are prepared.

“We’re never going to be turning anyone away, making sure we’re getting everyone in warm and safe,” said Ian Apfelbaum, Chief Shelter Officer for The Homeless Alliance.

That can mean severe overcrowding at the Homeless Alliance.

“We typically have a capacity of about 300 within this building, the past few days with this cold snap that we’ve being having and through the month of December, we’re seeing close to four hundred and fifty folks coming in our door every day,” said Apfelbaum.

Which brings challenges in many areas including the kitchen staff.

“It’s twelve hundred meals a day. So, it’s 400 for breakfast, four for lunch, and four for dinner,” said Christ McDermitt, Chief Chef with the Homeless Alliance.

Those numbers can mean some tweaks to the menus for Chef Chris.

We make big amounts of soup, or we’ll do like grilled cheese and soup, Lasagna, whatever,” said McDermitt.

The extra clients also mean longer food prep times, equating to long days.

“Right now, I’m getting here at about 4:30 and I’m leaving at about 3:30 or four,” said McDermitt.

But even with the long hours and challenges, the staff still finds time for enjoyment, between serving.

“For a lot of our clients their dog is their best friend, just like you and I at home,” said Apfelbaum.

Since most homeless people won’t go to a shelter with their pets, the homeless alliance has converted a classroom into a kennel.

“Knowing that they have that peace of mind that their dog has got a warm place to be while they’re also staying,” said Apfelbaum.

Right now, The Homeless Alliance is in desperate need of sandwich supplies, like bread, sandwich meat, and sandwich bags. Also, The Regional Food Bank donates much of the food, other than breakfast items.

There is also a great need for crates for the animals as well as food and blankets. For information about donating visit, CLICK HERE.