SOUTH BEND — The bitter cold over the past few days has taken a toll on everyone. But the local homeless population has few places to turn when the temperatures dip below freezing.

That's why South Bend's Center for the Homeless relaxed its normal rules during the recent weather. The Center uses a Weather Amnesty policy when temperatures fall below freezing.

That means the 175 person capacity is relaxed, and the Center doesn't turn anyone away. They're seeing about 25 extra people a night. If the temperature is below 32 degrees, people are allowed to stay inside during the day as well.

The weather amnesty guests are given a hot meal to eat and a warm bed where they can sleep. As part of an area partnership, the Center for the Homeless takes overflow clients after the Hope Rescue Mission fills up.

The Center is always in need of extra blankets and pillows. If you would like to donate, you can call the Center for the Homeless at (574) 272-8700, or you can drop them off at 813 S. Michigan St. in South Bend.