Some social service programs that provide help for the homeless and working poor were suspended Monday until weather conditions improve.
However, leaders from area programs say they plan to continue their daily feeding programs at Jackson House and The Salvation Army and were optimistic that nearly everyone who needed a warm place to stay found one.
"I think that everyone that needs to know (about the warming centers) does. We made sure to place notes in our lunches letting those who eat with us on a regular basis know where to go," said Janie Smith, Jackson House executive director.
"The community has come together with the weather in mind. People have even seen someone they think may be homeless on the street and they would stop and let them know where the warming centers are. I am very proud of how the community chose to respond," Smith said.
Jackson House will continue to provide daily lunches from noon until 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday, she said. In addition to hot meals, Jackson House also plans to continue providing emergency food services out of the back bay area. Blankets and other warming items are also available upon request.
"I think there have only been a couple of times in the last 20 or so years because the roads were solid ice, but we try to never stop services to our community," Smith said.
Although The Salvation Army was already closed on Monday for Presidents Day, Captain Bradley Hargis said they intend to continue serving free, hot dinner plates at the Red Shield Cafe each evening. However, the office and both stores will remain closed until they can reevaluate weather conditions on Wednesday, he said.
Both Hargis and Smith noted they have shared information via social media to spread the word. A Facebook group Smith called the "Hot Springs homeless group" has proved to be an effective way to get information out to this portion of the community.
"The good thing is that when we were out on Sunday, most of the homeless people we encountered had a plan in place for the cold. We even gave rides to the warming centers for a few people. I am feeling very optimistic," Hargis said.