TUCSON, Arizona (13 News) – The Salvation Army in Tucson launched his Program Warming hearts and souls Monday, just as Tucson was bracing for a frost warning Tuesday evening.

As everyone braced for near-freezing temperatures, the Salvation Army reported only seven people had sought shelter.

Hospitality House resident Todd Osborn remembers what it was like to be on the streets in freezing weather, and he urged anyone in that situation to take advantage of the group’s services.

“After a while, you get tired of being sick and tired, you know?” Osborn said. “You are there, everyone will get there sooner or later.”

Maj. Andres Espinoza, coordinator for the Salvation Army in the city of Tucson, said they have about 40 to 45 camp beds available and are trying to get the word out to those who need it , hoping that these people would be willing to accept their help.

“We make as many invitations as possible for them. But sometimes people refuse to come there,” Espinoza said. “But these are the only things we can say: we are open, we open our arms to you and you are more than welcome among us.”

Anyone seeking shelter can check in between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day. Once inside, everyone will receive dinner, have the opportunity to shower and wash their clothes.

On top of that, Espinoza said people should stay overnight and in the morning for breakfast.

The Salvation Army isn’t the only nonprofit offering shelter from extreme weather.

However, staff told 13 News their later check-in times set them apart from others.

“Sometimes when you can’t do it, it’s nice that a place like this is here to help you,” Osborn said.

The Salvation Army is distributing lists of other emergency shelters in the area – in case they run out of cots or if someone misses the 5 p.m. deadline for registration.

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