Salinas homeless population struggles with extreme cold temperatures
SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- With temperatures around the central coast dropping to near freezing, the homeless population has more to struggle with just to survive.
When temperatures drop, homeless people have a few options to find comfort.
They can try to get more blankets or use a tarp to cover their tents to keep themselves warm.
Another option is going to a homeless shelter to get a hot meal and a place to stay for the night.
Unfortunately, the option of going to a shelter isn't always the right fit for a homeless individual.
"Some of them don't want to lose their belongings and some of them, they're so used to being out here that they don't want to follow the rules. That's something different for them," said Diana Blaylock, who previously was homeless for ten years.
Depending on the facility, they must adhere to certain rules.
Some of the basics are being respectful of others, not engaging in physical altercations and having a full understanding of how the facility is going to operate.
"There are some restrictions but generally housing first is best practice. It is to be as low barrier as possible for individuals to come into a shelter," said Rod Powell, City Housing Division Manager of Salinas. "But they do have to make a choice. We have to respect the health and safety need of other occupants."
When homeless people choose not to go to a shelter during the winter months they submit themselves to the freezing harsh conditions, which can have dire consequences.
"Some of them sometimes don't even have a blanket. I know one year there were a few people out here that froze to death. They had a few of them," said Blaylock.
Powell said the city takes an active approach to help the homeless.
He said that the city's role is to encourage people to go to shelters and to make as much space available as they can within the resources they have.
Many people look to the city for aid but there are other individual operating facilities that make efforts in providing the homeless community a better shot at life.
'Dorothy's Place' is a non-profit located in Chinatown, that aims to give essential services and transitional support for those dealing with extreme poverty.
"Dorothy's place isn't just offering hot meals, blankets, and jackets. We're actually a center that strives to improve the health of the people that come here," said Jill Allen, Executive Director of Dorothy's Place.
Allen said that what's worst than the cold for some people, is how much of their stuff gets damp.
"All their belongings get wet. Their blankets and their clothing are wet and they're trying to hang them out to get dry, but they’re not drying. That’s when it gets really really hard for them.”
Some people who have experienced homelessness such as Blaylock, feel extra sympathy for those who are still on the streets.
She said that when she sees people out in the cold, it reminds her of times when she was freezing with barely anything to keep her warm.
Facilities such as Dorothy's Place do rely on grants and donations to help them continue to serve the homeless community.
If you'd like to help you can drop off blankets and jackets at their center or donate funding to them on their website.
