KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Many of Knoxville's warming shelters opening over the weekend were also used during a deadly January snowstorm. Several people who worked then have decided to return and provide even more help than before.
"I got involved last year and then I saw they needed some help again this year. Last time I had conversations with people who have been homeless their whole lives and talked about their decisions and dreams. Many of these people just need someone to talk to, someone to listen to them and just someone to give them a chance," said William Mendoza, who works with the Salvation Army.
Mendoza is the point of contact for the Salvation Army's Knoxville location. He said learning so much last year made him want to help again. Now, he wants to encourage others to volunteer even if it's for a few hours.
"Volunteering is one of the greatest ways that we can give back. We need to give back to our community. We will do great work and we'll be a lot of help for a lot of these folks," he said.
Earlier this year when Vestal United Methodist Church opened its doors, it took in dozens more people than the capacity limit. One of their organizers Anthony Jackson said it's impossible to turn someone away.
"It's a challenge that I still struggle with even right now. It's hard when your limit is 15 and number 16 shows up. My humanity kicks in and we'll bring them in. But, it goes back to volunteers and manpower and being able to handle what we did last year. Hopefully, it doesn't get that bad. But if it is, we like to be prepared," Jackson said.
While hundreds of homeless people in Knox County can't all stay at these warming shelters, organizers are doing their best to ensure no one goes cold at night.