Fall has arrived, but on some nights here in Columbia the falling mercury makes it feel more like winter.
"If there's really wintry weather we'll even open up during the day to let men come in here during the day," said Wayne Fields.
Fields is the Director of Columbia's Oliver Gospel Mission. His staff is ready for a packed house. When the temperatures drop, the number of men coming to the shelter increases dramatically.
"We put 37 extra mats down for men to sleep," said Fields.
When the temperatures get extreme, the shelter even relaxes some of their strict rules to make sure everyone is safe.
"Normally men have to be breathalyzed and things like that to stay here," said Fields. "But when it gets cold like this we forgo all that."
Fields says the Mission not only provides a roof over their heads but also a chance to make a difference.
"We serve meals and provide beds for men year round," said Fields. "So this just gives us an extra opportunity to reach out to the men."
The shelter also provides protection against an unexpected fall threat from mother nature.
The mission is located on Taylor street in downtown Columbia, and allows men on a first come, first serve basis.
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