The Street Level team is knocking on the doors of people who live in cars and RVs that offer five nights in a hotel.
KENT, Washington – Thousands of people in West Washington won’t have a warm place to sleep if the temperatures will drop in a few days. A Salvation Army team is in south King County providing a warm bed for the people who live in their vehicles.
“It’s a huge Christmas present for her,” said Tina Lewis, manager of the Salvation Army’s street-level team.
Street Level is working to help people find permanent housing. Since launching three years ago, the program has helped shelter more than 400 people, but at the moment Lewis said it was about helping people survive the cold.
“A lot of them don’t have ID, but a hotel is ready to take me in, since I’m with the Salvation Army they are ready to get these rooms for these people,” said Lewis.
She knocks on the doors of cars and RVs in Kent and Auburn and offers five nights at the hotel. At least 15 people accepted the offer. Lewis gave a blanket and keep warm kit to people who turned down the hotel and said she would check on them after Christmas.
“I care about what happens to every single one of my people out here,” Lewis said to a man she spoke to and decided to stay in his RV. ”
It is estimated that thousands will sleep in the freezing temperatures. Most thermal centers will only be open during the day and many overnight accommodations will reach their capacities.
Lewis knows how dangerous the cold can be.
“I was here once too. I lived in a car. I know what the cold winters feel like out here,” said Lewis.
For them, the Salvation Army, which provides money for hotels, is a Christmas present. Not only will it protect people from the cold, but Lewis hopes she can use the connection to find people who can find shelter in the future.
“I’m telling you the only repayment I want is for you to contact me so I can move you to permanent shelter. I don’t want this to be the only time you have a roof over your head, ”said Lewis.
