The recent snowstorm that hit Watertown and nearby communities with up to six feet of snow posed life-threatening dangers for some. It also left the city and Jefferson County scrambling for ways to protect the homeless population.

As this weekend’s big storm began, Spectrum News 1 met with Pete, who said he was a chef for 43 years before the toll it took on his body left him unable to work and eventually cost him his job and home.

“I mean, I’m in a lot of pain all the time," Pete said. "Keeping warm helps to keep that down."

He eventually began drinking and said his mental health is a continuous struggle. However, through the Department of Social Services, he was able to find a home in a nearby motel. The Hotis Motel in the fall was condemned, and a short time later, burned to the ground.

“I lost almost everything,” Pete said.

At that point, Pete felt he had no choice. He and his dog Lola set up a tent under the pavilion in Watertown’s JB Wise parking lot outside with no walls and a massive lake-effect storm on the way.

“I think we’ll be alright," he said. "It would be nice if they ran the electricity 24 hours. They shut it off at like 7:30. This heater has kept the inside of the tent quite warm.”

Watertown Mayor Jeff Smith said that power is turned off for safety reasons. He’s heartbroken to see so many in need, but said the pavilion is not designed to protect people from such elements.

“It’s not safe. It’s not appropriate. It’s not the right place to be,” he said.

“It’s been going on in this country for a long time, ignoring the homeless problem and the things that are at the root of it,” Pete said.

He hasn’t given up hope, and the generosity of the community is why.

Local business owner P.J. Simao opened up a building he owns. It’s now a very temporary place for all to go, with heat, power, bathrooms and four walls, opening right before the storm hit hardest.

“It’s warm. It’s dry. We have running water, almost all the comforts of home," Pete said. "So it’s definitely much better."

“I mean this is not a solution, right?" said Jefferson County Legislator Scott Gray. "This is just simply an improvement on what they had. I think the solution is a larger discussion that needs to happen rapidly.”