Despite the below freezing temperatures, some of Youngstown's homeless are choosing to stay outdoors.


Underneath the Marshall Street Bridge downtown is a small colony of tents. Those familiar with the set-up say about a dozen people live along the river and about another 20 have tents set up in the woods. It's an area becoming known as "Tent City."


A group of volunteers have made it their mission to help supply these homeless with basic survival gear.


"This is home for people, this is home for 23 people and our goal is to keep them alive and keep them safe," said Volunteer Kim Urig.


But why would someone choose to stay outside in below freezing temperatures when the Rescue Mission is only about a mile away?


One volunteer has heard how some of them feel.


"Remember people's perceptions is their reality," said Volunteer Dave Hull. "The Mission is a great organization they provide a lot of help but, the perception is if they go to a gathering of people, where the mix of people like that is in there that they are going to get hurt or get what possessions they have stolen from them."


The Rescue Mission welcomes anyone in need. But they do have rules. No drugs, no alcohol, and no fights.


"People choose where they are going to stay tonight, they can choose to come in here and live or they can choose to stay out there and take the risk," said Jim Echement with the Rescue Mission of The Mahoning Valley.


A risk volunteers know is real.


"At the end of the night, Mason states 'I hope I don't find no dead bodies down there' and that's a reality," said Hull.


Mason Carratt has spear-headed the volunteer effort, which began about three weeks ago on social media.


Youngstown Police tell 21 News they're aware of the community of tents and check in on them from time to time but, unless an individual clearly can't care for themselves there is little they can do. And when it comes to the law, trespassing may be an issue but, the owner of the land would need to file a complaint or press charges.


For more on the volunteer efforts behind "Tent City Youngstown" visit their