Capital City Rescue Mission prepares for a freezing winter

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -Even before winter arrived, Capital City Rescue Mission prepared for its busiest time of the year. So busy in fact that not everyone has a bed and mats fill the floors.

"I hear of people sleeping in bins and metal containers and they can't do that at this time. So we're more full than we are in the summer," said Perry Jones, Executive Director.

Code Blue is when temperatures drop below freezing, leading to designated Code Blue shelters staying open for the duration. Around 300 guests now stay at the rescue mission every night and 1,000 meals are being served every day.

Jones has a lot on his plate but is making it work.

“We are doing well. We're waiting for the city planning board to okay that we can put our addition up but right now, we're here and it's been really strong, strong attendance.”

If for any reason a shelter like Capital City can’t take any more people, there’s a hotline to call that will place those in need based on any disabilities, needs and gender. It’s offered through the Homeless and Travelers Aid Society (HATAS): (518) 463-2124.

"If it’s cold out. If it’s 32 degrees or less and you call us, we will make sure that you get every opportunity to be sheltered," said Liz Hitt, Executive Director of HATAS.

The Capital Region’s network of shelters, whether open year-round or just for Code Blue, are ready to help anyone in need. No one has been turned away by HATAS these last few days.

But Jones says the need for these services continues to increase. "Now with some of the migrant children in the area coming in for gifts and medical attention and clothing and our free clothing center, all of that contributes to taking care of the poor."