Winter weather causing more people to seek warmth at homeless shelters Open Doors is a low-barrier shelter in Harrisonburg that houses the city's homeless overnight. (Source: WHSV) By Courtney Guiry | February 10, 2021 at 9:14 AM EST - Updated February 10 at 9:14 AM HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) - Below freezing temperatures and recent snowfall, have more people seeking a warm place to stay. “On snowy days, when sidewalks are covered and precipitation is coming down, there’s really no place for those guests who don’t have a home to go,” Joel Ballew, executive director of Open Doors Shelter in Harrisonburg, said. Ballew says subfreezing temperatures can be life threatening if someone is outside too long. Open Doors, located in the former Red Front Supermarket, has a capacity of 50 beds. This winter, Ballew says overnight guest numbers have been constant at about 40. However, on days with severe winter weather the shelter remains open throughout the day to accommodate more people.