AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Salvation Army of Aiken is preparing to house additional people as cold temperatures prompt more individuals to seek shelter from the elements.
The shelter serves as the only homeless shelter in Aiken County and typically operates at or near full capacity. When temperatures drop, staff pull out cots to accommodate everyone who needs protection from the cold.
“It empowers us really to do more, to go further, to provide more programs such as this that really look at the heart of the issue instead of the just outside appearance of homelessness,” said Captain Michael Good of the Salvation Army of Aiken.
The shelter usually focuses on helping people return to stability. In October, staff helped 62 people through their shelter and into housing and employment.
Overflow capacity challenges
When demand exceeds their standard capacity, the shelter rearranges the entire building to serve up to 70 people during cold snaps.
“We have cots everywhere in hallways and in the dining area. But once we hit 44 and we’ve met capacity, we’re kind of left with ‘What do we do?” Good said.
Staff clear out tables and chairs from dining areas to make room for additional cots, though space remains limited.
“So we’ll clear out tables and chairs, and we’ll put cots in here. But even in a room like this, you can only fit another four or five individuals in here,” Good said.
Immediate need for donations
Donations received by the shelter are distributed quickly to those in need. Items that arrive during the day are often given out the same evening to overflow guests.
“This just came in today, and literally tonight this will be given out for overflow,” Good said about recent donations.
The shelter has reached its limits for creative solutions to accommodate more people.
“We’re past the point of creativity,” Good said. “We feel the overwhelming nature of what we’re dealing with.”
The Salvation Army of Aiken accepts monetary donations through their website and in-person donations through volunteers ringing bells for the Red Kettle Campaign.
The organization depends on this campaign to continue helping those who need services. Volunteers can ring bells either as volunteers or for pay.
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