SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) -We continue our coverage of the freezing temperatures impacting our region. In Springfield, the City has developed a task force to ensure that no one is left out in the cold, and they are springing right into action to protect senior citizens and unhoused individuals from frigid temperatures as the cold snap continues to be unrelenting. Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris told 22News, "So when the weather reaches 20 degrees and below, the City of Springfield--the Department of Health and Human Services---deploys our cold weather outreach team." Whether it's providing vital resources like blankets, and transportation to shelters, or finding hotel rooms to get them out of the elements. "We got out between 6 and 10 PM, and we checked about 12 to 13 places where we knew the unhouse congregate and may be outside," Harris adds. The Springfield Rescue Mission is in partnership with that task force. And while their biggest challenge is the capacity limit---they say they won't turn anyone away. Kevin Ramsdell, Executive Director of the Springfield Rescue Mission adds, "Under no circumstances do we turn anybody away---even if the beds are all taken--we will put them up in a chair or if a cot is available, but most importantly we will get them a blanket, a hot cup of coffee and soup." The Springfield Rescue Mission has been at full capacity since they reopened in September--their Taylor Street location providing about 42 beds. As the cold continues, they are asking for the public's help, to donate winter clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags to help with their efforts to keep everyone warm this winter. In response to the growing issue of homelessness, the state has awarded about $9 million to shelters across the state to expand their capacity and services. Local News Headlines Experts warn about cold-related illnesses during this wind chill Nation to honor Jimmy Carter on National Day of Mourning Thursday Springfield task force aids unhoused in freezing temps Northampton considers fossil fuel ban for new buildings WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.