Helping to keep people from freezing to death

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A cold spell like the one Michigan is currently seeing comes around at least once every winter, and most of us can get through by huddling in our homes. But for those of us who do not have a home, this kind of weather can be deadly.

In cold weather there are real concerns, not only about the homeless, but also about those who may have had their utilities shut off in the tough economy. There is an effort Tuesday evening to help people living under bridges in Grand Rapids.

People drive by the bridges everyday, most not knowing that there are mattresses on the ground there. It's a sight that would disturb most anybody; frozen beds, covered with snow and likely to be used overnight.

"We've been involved with some deceased persons on the street who have frozen," said Don Tack of Servants Center.

Tack is one of those who goes out on frigid nights, begging and pleading for those in trouble to come inside. Frankly, he isn't well liked by the homeless.

"It's really not about feeling warm fuzzy feelings that you got somebody off the street," said Tack, "because it may be that the person is so mentally ill that they curse the day you were born."

Newschannel 3 spoke to Tack a few hours before he headed out to check the usual spots.

"We did get some promises from people that when it turns really cold tonight, that they are going to come in, and we're going to check in with those people at those sites," Tack said.

Tuesday saw a rare joint news conference by a handful of local agencies trying to make everybody aware of the dangerous situation, especially for those who may be without electricity or gas in their own homes. They put out a plea for people to avoid burning candles, kerosene heaters and using grills for heat.

"There are families in our city who are affected by utility shutoff still staying in their homes, that they're using different heat sources that could provide a disaster potentially," said Gary Szotko of the Grand Rapids Fire Department.

Shelters like Mel Trotter Ministries are preparing for numerous people to come in, they're ready to help with beds on mattresses on two floors of the building.

Don Tack hopes those shelters are full, so he won't receive an early morning call and be forced to identify somebody who didn't make it through the night.

"We just don't want to go through that," Tack said.

It's not just the homeless that are of concern, firefighters and police officers told Newschannel 3 that if you know of anybody who doesn't have heat, to direct them to their local fire station.