MACON, Ga. — The colder it gets, the more dangerous being outside can be.
That's why United to End Homelessness, which is run by United Way of Central Georgia, has been working on a cold weather plan with the county since October.
Dr. Jake Hall is the executive director for United to End Homelessness, and said keeping the homeless population out of the cold weather is a team effort.
"United to end Homelessness works with the Emergency Management Agency of Bibb County to anticipate these moments," Hall said.
For months, they've been working to get all three emergency shelters in Macon on the same page for procedures when they open their doors.
The three shelters are Brookdale Resource Center, Hello House- which is on the same property, and the Salvation Army.
"Anytime that the temperature drops in the evening below 32 degrees for an extended period of time, two or three hours, then we implement these evening protocols," Hall said.
Brookdale Resource Center is a 90-day program with a capacity of 120 beds, but it is not an emergency warming center.
Hello House has a 50-bed capacity, and they have fewer barriers for entry than Brookdale Resource Center, since it's more of a short-term resource. The Salvation Army has a 30- to 40-bed capacity.
United to End Homelessness is also prepared for an overflow if they needs to house more people.
"We also opened up temporary emergency shelters at places like Daybreak, who have graciously offered to open up," Hall said.
A manager at Hello House said 14 people came in Tuesday night to use their emergency shelter.
The emergency shelters were also open again Wednesday night.
"And we are prepared in advance should that be an extended period of time," Hall said.
He also said if it gets as cold or colder during the day, the shelters can be open during extended hours as well.
People can check into Hello House during cold weather evenings from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
The shelter closes the next day at 7 a.m. and people are fed dinner and breakfast during their stay.
People can check into Salvation Army starting at 4:00 p.m. and they can stay until 8:00 a.m. the next day.