With frigid temperatures about to bear down on Georgia, Atlanta’s Salvation Army will be increasing hours at its seasonal cold weather shelter.

“Because the weather is forecast to go down into the teens, we’re going to open our cold weather shelter up at 8 p.m.” Salvation Army Atlanta Director Thomas Thompson said. “That will allow our friends on the street to come in and get some respite from the cold weather, and they will be able to stay in until 8 a.m.”

The shelter can accommodate 20 men, eight women and up to two families. If snow or sleet affects the metro, people will be allowed to stay another two hours.

When they leave, the shelter staff give them a bagged lunch and a list of resources “if they want to end their street homelessness.”

Staff will monitor the weather conditions and adjust the shelter’s hours accordingly. Right now, the extended operations will be in place Thursday through Monday.

“What we hear is it’s just life-saving,” Thompson said. “They are just so thankful that we offer this resource.”

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