Homeless shelters, resources prepare for the winter storm this weekend

Shelters and resources are ready for people experiencing homelessness this weekend as a severe winter storm moves in. Maureen Diffley, Salvation Army's Corps Officer, said its white flag program will remain available as long temperatures stay at 35 degrees Fahrenheit or below. "This year we've had 125 different individuals use our white flag services," Diffley said. A white flag will be present outside of the building signaling the doors are open for an extra 25 people. Check in is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 200 Ashe Street. Thursday night marked the ninth time this program has been used this year, according to a press release. If capacity is reached, Diffley said any overflow will be transported to its Unity Housing partners sites for an overnight stay. "Our partners are prepared to act as they do know it just may take longer to transport them," Diffley said. "Our staff is on notice that no one can leave unless they are replaced." Diffley said that its regular program at the Center of Hope Shelter allows an overnight stay for 48 people — 15 of those reservations are for veterans. "For most of this month we've had more people than we've had spaces," Diffley said. Diffley said that no matter the time of year, the shelter is almost always full. "Our regular program is going to be hard to get into in July and it's going to be hard to get into in January, but we are able to provide that additional assistance in the winter," Diffley said. The Salvation Army will take measure to ensure that everyone has a warm, safe place to go to as temperatures continue to drop, according to a press release. "It is extremely dangerous to sleep outside," Diffley said. "It is a life or death matter." The Appalachian Regional Coalition for Homelessness will be transporting those in need to warming centers in the daytime as needed. Warming centers are located at First Presbyterian Church at 105 S Boone Street. Demia Smith, the homeless programs director at ARCH, said that the warming centers work under a yes, unless system due to the weather. "If they can get … enough volunteers to come … they will be open this weekend," Smith said. The warming center at First Presbyterian will be open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. as long as volunteers are readily available. Smith said that winter clothing donations are needed now more than ever. To donate, stop by the ARCH Johnson City facility or call to make a payment. Diffley said the Salvation Army is always in need for more funding to house those in need. She said she is appreciative of the support they receive from the community. "The fact that we have a shelter in downtown Johnson City is unique," Diffley said. "I think it's a great symbol of the caring community that we have." Without support from the community and the dedication of team members, the program wouldn't be able to run. "In addition to keep(ing) people safe for a night, we're also offering them hope and an opportunity to change their life so that they're never faced with that choice again," Diffley said. "That's why we love the fact that we provide that harm reduction … to stay warm for the night on the site where they know they can transition easily to something that's going to help them turn things around."