The shelter has been in such high demand -- with families often lining up outside beginning at noon -- that the Salvation Army is going to change it's policy, requiring families to call to make a reservation ahead of time, Moore says.
"We've had fights break out, some really ugly situations happen because people were running for the door, kids were getting knocked over," Moore says. "The number of people looking for help is way more than the supply. It's just an ugly. We're trying to take some of the pressure off."
The policy change will start Sept. 7, though, Moore says the details of how the new admission procedure will work have not yet been determined. The emergency shelter has been in great demand ever since it opened in 2008. "Historically, the most we've turned away in one day was almost 40," Moore says.
Moore admits many clients are unhappy about the change. Families who frequently used the shelter are being notified about the change.
"We've have people complaining every day. They sometimes get boisterous and emotional. We understand, but it makes it tough on the staff," he says. "It's just really been a tough, tough thing to do. It's hard to turn away families. And many times they have no idea what they're going to do."
Note: This story originally reported that there is space for 15 families at the Warming House, but has been corrected to note that there is room for 14-16 individuals.