MIAMI — Camillus House activated its emergency housing for people experiencing homelessness Friday in downtown Miami ahead of the weekend’s cold snap.

Sam Gil, senior vice president of operations for Camillus House, said people are taken in once temperatures drop below 50 degrees.

“On Monday we took 73, and today we’re taking another 83,” Gil said. “They’ll get a hygiene kit, a towel, a blanket and an additional blanket for themselves.”

Some people arrive as walk-ins, while others are brought in through outreach efforts by teams spread across Miami-Dade County.

“If they refuse, there’s nothing we can do,” Gil said. “What we can do is provide them with blankets, socks and additional clothing so they can weather the cold front that’s coming.”

Volunteers are doing their best to ensure people they encounter have no reason to turn down help.

“People with pets don’t have to be out with them -- we have a kennel,” Gil said.

Miami-Dade Animal Services is also working to get nearly 100 animals fostered ahead of the cold snap so they have a warm place to stay.

“We’re hoping that by the end of the weekend, before the cold front moves in, we’re able to move those dogs over here,” said staff member Gabriella Dominguez.

Dominguez said more than 90 foster appointments are already scheduled.

The shelter is also accepting donations of blankets, sweaters and dog beds.

Staff are advising pet owners to keep animals warm.

“Pets can suffer from hypothermia, so we don’t want pets in the community to experience that,” Dominguez said. “Keep an eye on them. The best thing to do is bring them indoors.”

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