MCALLEN – Officials with the Salvation Army shelter in McAllen said they’re currently operating without an internal heating unit.

Robert Morales, 19, started living at the shelter last week. He said just after his arrival, snow moved into the Rio Grande Valley while the heating unit at the shelter stopped working.

The commanding officer of the Salvation Army in Hidalgo County, Stephen Correira, told CHANNEL 5 NEWS the unit needs to be replaced and could be out of commission through the end of December.

"It's basically how it was when it was snowing here," said Correira. "It was that cold. Most people had to ask for extra blankets to keep warm."

Correira said a lack of funding isn't the issue. It's their status as a nonprofit that's holding up the replacement. 

"As part of that process, we have to secure three different bids to make sure that we're getting a good price for this unit," said Correira. "The downside is that adds a little bit longer to the wait time in replacing the unit. The good news is that we're being financially responsible and doing our best to always be doing the most good with the resources that are entrusted to us."

The purchase of a new unit must also be approved by an advisory board.

Correira said they're providing additional blankets and pillows for anyone who may need them at night.