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With the weather getting colder and Christmas only days away, homeless shelters are preparing for an influx in patrons.
The Rescue Mission in Salt Lake is expecting possibly its busiest holiday ever. Workers there say they're prepared, though, and will not turn anyone away.
The Mission is expecting to feed 1,000 people at an early Christmas dinner on Monday. It always does the meal a few days before the holiday to give the homeless a chance to get two good meals this week. Tomorrow, from noon to 5, the homeless and working poor can get showers, shaves, clothes, gifts and blankets.
Trent Booker, a manager with the Mission, says he's expecting to see a different crowd tomorrow because of the shift in the economy. "The biggest difference I see is more families are coming and people with children. Especially for our Christmas meal tomorrow, we've geared up and collected toys. We'll be passing out toys for children of all ages," he said.
The Rescue Mission has a 50 bed dorm. When that fills up, 50 more can sleep on the chapel floor. No one is ever turned away, so if need be, they'll open up hallways and study rooms. Also, with the cold weather during the day, people go inside the chapel to stay warm.
"They're very grateful. They're very grateful. Nobody grows up wanting to be homeless," Booker said.
Another difference is a surprising jump in donations, despite the hurting economy.
"There's a little less monetary contributions, but there's more donations of food and clothing, things like that," Booker said.
The Rescue Mission has been serving Salt Lake for 35 years and is based entirely on community donations. If you want to donate or help out tomorrow go 463 S. 400 W. in downtown Salt Lake City.
E-mail: ngonzales @ksl.com
