Oklahoma City's Winter Night Shelter opens Friday
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - The Homeless Alliance opened its winter night shelter for the season on Friday. Shelter officials learned much from their first year open and have since made some changes.
Ian Apfelbaum, the Chief Shelter Officer, said Oklahoma City's permanent winter shelter was packed in 2023. In fact, 3,500 Oklahomans walked through their doors during the entire season.
Inside, there are around 275 beds and mats if needed.
"Obviously, with the winter weather we're not going to be turning anyone away," said Apfelbaum.
If you do not have any animals, you'll enter on the shelter's west side. The first thing you'll do is check in any belongings that don't fit inside a bag. This year, there are no number tags. They'll just write down your name.
After handing over any weapons, you'll walk through the security system and check in.
"For most of our clients, they already have a shelter ID with us so it should be a really quick process for them to just come up and scan their ID," said Apfelbaum.
If you don't have an ID, staff at the shelter will get you set up.
The shelter has also installed a new device so you can lock and charge up your phone overnight.
Then, you can decide if you'd like to sleep in the co-ed room, or the women's only room.
If you have a dog, you'll enter on the East side. Compared to last year, the new room is easier to clean, thanks to the large garage door, and the walls help with the noise.
"We'll provide all the food, water, bowls, blankets, all that kind of stuff," said Apfelbaum.
Another vital addition this year, is medical help.
"That was happening within the first few hours of folks getting here that they were starting to ask for medical care," said Apfelbaum.
Healing Hands, a community health partner, will be on site to help with minor medical treatment.
"They're primary care physician, so they're able to prescribe medications if our clients don't have that," said Apfelbaum.
Remember, this is not a place for children. If you arrive with your child, staff will work to find a more appropriate place for your family.
Helping hands will be on site from 3:00pm - 7:00pm.
The winter shelter, located at 1601 NW 4th St., opens from 4:00pm - 7:00am.