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McAllen families get out of the cold at Salvation Army shelter
Posted: 02.02.2011 at 7:43 PM
Katie Lopez

Katie Lopez is a reporter for Action 4 News.

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It was five years ago that Amanda Garza found herself without a job and nearly homeless.

"We were in an apartment with no light and heating,” said Garza. “We had to bundle up and sleep together in the living room."

Every day, she found herself with her six children at the Salvation Army gathering food.

It was not until she started to ask questions that Garza realized there was more help out there for her.

"I started looking around and noticed that some people lived here,” said Garza. “I started asking around and my kids were like let’s go. Now they're out of the cold weather."

After four months at the shelter, Garza met Julio Valdez who she said changed her life.

They are all staying at the Salvation Army now, but Amanda cannot help but think about what would have been if she had not found a warm place for her children to bunk.

"With the weather the way it is--if we were out there it would be an issue," said Garza. 

The shelter Garza is at housed over 100 people Tuesday night.

Juan Gomez with the Salvation Army said no matter how many people come through-- the shelter will keep their doors open so no one is left out in the cold.

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