T.S. Emily provides ‘free night’ to homeless at Salvation Army

Given the chance to go home early Monday because of the threat of street flooding posed by Tropical Storm Emily, the office staff at The Salvation Army in Manatee County did just that, leaving administrative offices locked up tight by noon.

But before they left, the Army administration made the decision to waive the usual $10 overnight shelter fee on Monday and offer a “free night” to any one who sought a bed at 1204 14th St. W., Bradenton.

“We are anticipating close to 200 men, women and children this evening,” Kelly French, a Salvation Army spokeswoman, said early Monday.

Besides a dedicated maintenance man, the only other Army person left on campus Monday afternoon was Marvin Permenter, who lives at the Salvation Army where he is in a program and volunteers in the kitchen, where a free meal is served from 5 to 5:30 p.m. seven days a week.

“It’s going to be packed,” Permenter said of Monday night’s bed count which would begin with 6 p.m. intake. “On any night that is rainy or cold they give a free night and there are a lot of people.”

Three other men sitting on a bench outside the Army agreed that Monday would be jammed due to Emily being about.

“Packed,” said a man who only gave his first name as Doug.

Even though the Army will have a free night, some still elect to stay outside, Permenter said.

“Some are stuck in their ways of life, some have mental illness, some have substance abuse problems and some have issues with The Salvation Army,” Permenter added.

Permenter said homeless people in Manatee are fortunate to have The Salvation Army.

“I’m from Chicago,” Permenter said. “They don’t have things like this there.”

This story was originally published July 31, 2017 at 4:00 PM with the headline "T.S. Emily provides ‘free night’ to homeless at Salvation Army."