- FAST FACTS:
- Robert Warren was homeless for ten years
- He got off the streets one month ago
- He's now trying to convince others to come in from the cold
tom.powell@wreg.com
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(MEMPHIS January 5, 2010) -- Robert Warren held the door at Lighthouse Ministries Tuesday, as he welcomed a few men inside from the cold. Only a month ago, Robert was on the streets. He'd been homeless for ten years.
Robert spent plenty of nights during that decade outside in the cold. "You don't know whether you'll wake up or not," he says. "When you go to sleep you ask God to make sure you wake up."
Robert rode along with two pastors from Lighthouse Tuesday, as they looked for holdouts, those who thought they could tough out temps in the teens, maybe lower.
Robert made it a habit to turn down help while he was on the streets. He says he was stubborn, but when he finally he put his pride aside he wound up in the very spot he's now trying to bring others.
When Robert found out the pastors were headed out to find people to help, Robert told them he could probably help. "Basically, I can tell them, it works for me, it works."
Lighthouse Ministries set aside several beds Tuesday. They usually take in men who are ready to commit to a six-moth program to change their lives. During the next several days, while the temperatures remain below freezing, they're setting that requirement aside.
The Union Mission and Salvation Army continue to provide shelter during this deep freeze. The Mission is asking for help. They need new or gently used blankets and warm weather clothes, as well as extra food to meet the increased demand.
According to Mayor A C Wharton, 277 people got out of the weather and stayed at the Union Mission Monday night. That's 25 more people than the usual. We're told the capacity there is 300.
