COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Columbus homeless shelters quickly filled Tuesday night as temperatures plunged into the single digits.

The Community Shelter Board reports close to 900 woman and families called the homeless hotline looking for shelter.

Adam Crumby and his nine-year-old son Elijah got a room at the new family shelter located at 595 Van Buren Drive in Columbus.

“I’ve been in the shelter before back in 2006,” said Crumby. “I know there are good programs that can help people. I’m really looking to get back on my own two feet with my son.”

Run by Volunteers of America of Greater Ohio, the shelter can house up to 64 families.

Josh Posten is the lead residential supervisor for the Van Buren Family Shelter.

“Our length to stay averages about 22 days. And they are pretty good about that. They can get a job and solve their housing crisis,” said Posten.

Faith Mission also reports a demand for shelter services now that colder temperatures have arrived in Columbus.

“Demand increases when it gets this cold,” said Vick Ward, Director of Operations. “We are generally always full anyway. But the system has to rise up and provide some extra overflow beds.”

The shelter board said 194 women and 568 men requested assistance Tuesday night.

In addition to more space, shelters are seeking donations from the public. Items like socks, toiletries, coats, hats and gloves are most needed this time of year.

Adam is grateful he and his son have a roof over their head. The single father is using this as a teaching point for his nine-year old son.

“I tell him don’t feel bad because you’re in this situation. Feel great that you can carry this experience with you.”

Use of shelters is up by 63 percent among families and 16 percent among single men and women over the last four years.

Anyone needing shelter should call the homeless hotline at 1-888-474-3587.