Ice storms are hard on everyone, but when you have no time to prepare or stock up on gear — as well as no roof over your head — frigid temperatures and falling trees can be fatal. For the past 4 nights, @HomelessOKC opened its doors as a night shelter for the first time ever. 1/8

The day shelter was never meant to accommodate people overnight. But with little time to prepare and COVID-19 limiting the capacity of night shelters throughout OKC, we felt as if it was a matter of life or death and the only feasible option we could pull together quickly. 2/8

The Curbside Chronicle is a program of the Homeless Alliance, working in partnership with the day shelter to respond during times of crises.

We set our overnight capacity at 70, but couldn’t face turning people away, and sheltered as many as 106 guests one night this week. 3/8

We lost power on Monday. There has been no heat all week, but it was still warmer and dryer than being outside. We had no light in the kitchen, but staff was able to use flashlights to prepare hot meals on the gas stove. It was dark in more ways than one. 4/8

But there were bright spots, too, with people in the community rallying together to purchase coats and winter gear. And most importantly, people — like our vendors — were inside, safe and dry. 5/8

With temps near freezing again tonight, the day shelter will open again and hopes to continue working with the City of OKC, local shelters and service providers to find a longer-term solution for sheltering people overnight this winter during the pandemic. 6/8

We are looking forward to having our power restored. We are looking forward to sunshine and warmer temperatures. But we also know this is only October. We have the entire winter ahead of us. 7/8

Please consider supporting us by volunteering or donating gloves, hats, hand warmers, coats and blankets. Our lobby — located at 1724 NW 4th St. — is open to accept donations Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 8/8