The Lord & long johns: Homeless man says faith, Metro Detroit warming centers help fend off dangerously cold temperatures

DETROIT (WWJ) - Cold weather continues to grip Metro Detroit as those without homes face extreme risk of hypothermia, frostbite and more -- but as local shelters deal with an influx of people seeking warmth and safety, one man said he relies on his faith and positive attitude to get him through the frigid dark nights.

For over 30 years, Deion Corbett, 60, has called the streets of Detroit home after going on Social Security disability for a number of injuries back in 1993. The 60-year-old, who is from the city, told WWJ's Charlie Langton he sought shelter at the Rosa Parks Transit Center for the last couple of nights as subzero temperatures moved into the area over the weekend.

While he has slept outside in winter before, Corbett said once temperatures get below zero, it's best to seek shelter.

"I can't sleep outside -- it's too cold for that, you know?" Corbett said to Langton. " That's very, very miserable, too. I have in the past -- it's been many, many years ago I have in the past but I haven't, did, did nothing like that recently

Corbett is one of 50 homeless people who took shelter at the Rose Parks Transit Center after the City of Detroit decaled a "Code Blue" in the wake of life-threatening cold temperatures reaching as low as 25 below.

According to the city's housing department, a Code Blue requires shelters and/or agencies to take in anyone who arrives at their location seeking warmth until further notice while waiving routine intake protocols. It also lifts any capacity restrictions.

Corbett said over the years, he's learned which places he can go for shelter if need, but added he's been able to survive life on the streets in cold weather by relying on the warmth of his faith, his positive attitude -- and warm clothes where he can find them.

"It's very tough, I can't complain about it," he told Langton. "All I can do is just try to make things better in the world, you know, try to make things better for myself. If I can help another person out, I try to do that, too."

"For one thing, believing in the Lord," Corbett continued. "I got to take the Lord with me, whatever I do, you know. Every step I make, every move I take -- a whole bunch of long johns to go with it."

Corbett's comments come as officials for emergency shelters across Southeast Michigan urgently sought out homeless neighbors to get them to safety and warmth as the region remained gripped by a brutal cold spell.

With temperatures hovering just above zero on Tuesday night, wind chills are expected to approach 20 below overnight and into the early morning hours.

A Wind Chill Advisory was in effect for all of Southeast Michigan until noon Wednesday, according to AccuWeather. With wind chills as low as -20, frostbite can set in on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

Covenant House's Outreach Manager, Stephanie Taylor, is personally was driving around Metro Detroit with other organizers to pick up any homeless and get them to emergency shelters.

"They work quickly, driving across town and calling as many shelters as necessary to secure a warm, safe place to stay based on age and demographic," the organization said of the initiative. "Covenant House serves young adults ages 18-24, while other organizations serve men, children, families and others. The goal of Taylor and her team is to find a place for everyone who needs help."

Oakland County Undersheriff Curtis D. Childs said via the Macomb Daily that deputies and Orion Township firefighters responded to an undisclosed address off Height Road around 10 a.m. and found an unconscious man under a blue tarp.

He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The sheriff's office posted the update on Facebook with a safety message warning residents of the dangers of extreme cold and to keep an eye out for anyone who may need assistance when the temperature drops.

"If you know of people that are homeless, shelters and warming centers are important with subzero temperatures," the OCSO wrote. "Please be extra careful with your pets, and take extra care of the elderly. When you you travel in your car, make sure you have warm clothing with you in case you have any issues."

Several cities have already set up warming centers for residents without power that need electricity to charge phones or power medical devices, as well as warm up from the brutal cold.

Garden City said their police department lobby is open 24 hours for residents in need of a warming or charging center. Anyone at risk from cold weather and who may need assistance can call police in a non-emergency at 734-793-1700 or dial 911 in an emergency.

More information about warming centers can be found at www.GardenCityMI.org/warmingcenters.

According to their website, the City of Detroit has four warming centers open to "provide shelter from the cold weather, plus two meals, showers, sleeping accommodations, and housing assistance services to residents experiencing homelessness."

Those in need can head to: Cass Community Social Services, which serves women and families; Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, which has sections to serve families and women and another section for single men; and the Joseph Walker Williams Recreation Center, which serves men, women and families.

Residents in need are encouraged to call the City of Detroit's Housing Services Helpline at866-313-2520 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Veterans should call 866-313-2520 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Detroit also has locations that residents can warm-up during normal business hours with officials reminding residents that all Detroit Public Library branches are open to the public.

A full list of Detroit's respite locations can be found here.