Birmingham, Alabama – A hard freeze gripping most of Alabama has packed shelters, where volunteers are bringing out extra cots.
A Birmingham church that feeds the needy during the day has been a refuge for about 200, a big increase from normal.
At Mobile, hit by a rare arctic chill on the coast, Salvation Army spokesman Stacey Killingsworth said Friday its shelters were ``filled to the brim.'' She said one that normally holds up to 28 homeless men a night has been averaging 115 in recent days.
The National Weather Service says much of the state won't go back above freezing through the weekend, so shelters are expected to remain busy. Any ice also will be around for awhile, making driving conditions hazarouds in spots.
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