Myrtle Beach groups extend hours during cold snap to help people experiencing homelessness

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Ahead of dangerously cold temperatures expected on Sunday, two organizations are preparing to support people experiencing homelessness in Myrtle Beach.

Cold temperatures present health hazards, said Capt. Jonathan Evans of the Myrtle Beach Fire Department.

“You get that shivering, you’re starting to turn blue, maybe the tips of your fingertips—you’re not able to function as easily with your extremities, all of those things are kind of first signs you need to get that warmth and get going,” said Evans.

For people experiencing homelessness who don’t have a place to stay warm, two Myrtle Beach organizations are preparing to step in and help.

New Directions of Horry County is preparing to allow additional visitors into its shelters through what the organization calls a Code Blue.

“Any time the temperature is gonna fall below 40 degrees during the night, we are going to open our men’s shelter and our women’s shelter to anybody who needs to get off the streets,” said Kathy Jenkins, chief executive officer of New Directions of Horry County.

When a Code Blue is declared, staff create additional space in both men’s and women’s shelters to accommodate anyone needing a warm place, whether overnight or during the day.

“We make sure that we have enough blankets, we’re trying to protect people from the elements, so the most important thing is to make sure that we can make them as comfortable as possible while they’re staying with us,” said Jenkins.

Visitors can stay until temperatures rise above 40 degrees again. Jenkins said the Code Blue typically brings around 50 extra people to New Directions’ shelters.

Jenkins said she anticipates that a Code Blue will be in effect later this weekend.

The Fresh Brewed Coffee House also assists people who are experiencing homelessness during cold weather.

Executive Director Kate Curran told WMBF that New Directions notifies her and her staff when Code Blue is in effect so they can inform people experiencing homelessness.

Curran said the coffee house can serve as an overflow women’s shelter and anyone can enter to warm up when the shop is open.

The organization also distributes coats and other winter-weather attire throughout the season.

Curran encouraged community members that if they see someone outdoors in dangerous cold temperatures, to let them know about available warming resources.

“Pay attention to people around you,” said Curran. “If you see somebody outside, you could stop and say, ‘Hey, do you know that Code Blue is going on right now?’”

Click here to learn more about New Directions.

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