BEAUMONT, Texas — As temperatures drop the City of Beaumont is working to protect anyone who doesn't have a place to go and escape the cold.
The most affected group are those who are experiencing homelessness.
The city is offering free public transportation to shelters around town to help people who have nowhere else to go escape the cold.
Both The Salvation Army and Some Other Place have set up warming shelters along McFaddin Avenue.
Some of these people are living in tents next to The Salvation Army while others live downtown. But most of them are seeking refuge at shelters around town.
"The weather is cold it's extremely cold," said one resident, Judy.
The artic blast is bringing in bone chilling temperatures which is a bitter encounter for those experiencing homelessness.
"When you're like trying to panhandle, and hustle you have to do what you have to do," said Patrick Shreve, another resident.
26-year-old Shreve was outside the Beaumont Salvation Army, waiting to get out of the cold.
"I live in a tent right over there. The blue tent with the tree," Shreve told 12News.
He says he's been homeless for almost two years, but he's grateful to see the community offering support to people in similar situations.
"Beaumont, Texas they offer so many resources for the homeless people," said Shreve.
The city is running two para-transit vans and is picking up anyone who has no place to weather the storm.
"They're offering transportation to any of the homeless people that want to come to some other place or the Salvation Army," said Councilman Randy Feldschau.
Riders can be dropped off at various nonprofit organizations, according to Feldschau.
"I'm excited about what the city is doing to help those who often can't help themselves," Feldschau said.
"They're going to be bringing them to Salvation Army and if they get to capacity then Some Other Place is going to be set up for overnight stays," said Some Other Place Executive Director Chris Robertson.
Some Beaumont residents, like Diana Burnett, are out there to greet people with supplies to keep warm.
"My main ministry is street pets for the disable, homeless and shut ins but with that comes a lot of owners in need. So I'm out here just helping everyone I can," Burnett said.
The two vans will continue to run all night and first responders will be behind the wheel until Beaumont Municipal Transit drivers take over at 6:30 a.m.