[1/4] A man stands outside his tent during the cold weather in Denver, Colorado, U.S. December 22, 2022. REUTERS/Alyson McClaran
Dec 23 (Reuters) – City officials and service workers across the United States were rushing to get people off the streets this week, turning places like libraries and theaters into shelters to ease the crisis. personal
Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services opened libraries and police stations as warming stations, while shelters in communities south of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, extended sleeping hours and powers in the heat. was expected to sink into the Fahrenheit youth (below -10 degrees). Celsius) on Friday night.
Officials in Denver, Colorado, where temperatures of minus 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-31 degrees Celsius) on Thursday were the second coldest in the city’s history, opened the Coliseum as a precaution this week. Officials prepared the indoor arena for 225 people, but increased its capacity to 359 on Wednesday night.
“I feel happy when I’m here because I’m not worried about sleeping outside in the cold, I’m not worried about walking from one place to another,” said Laphonse McMillan, one of the people who they seek refuge in the playground. this week.
Denver officials also opened the municipal Wellington Webb Building Thursday night. The building is a workplace for more than 1,000 city employees and, according to the city’s emergency operations center, is the first time it has been used as a shelter.
Cities across the United States have struggled to address homelessness. A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development report this week showed nearly 600,000 people were homeless as of January 2022. The report found that homelessness among people in shelters has decreased by 1.6%, while homeless homelessness increased by 3.4%, compared to 2020.
Donald Whitehead, executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, said:
COMPOUNDING FACTORS
In Hennepin County, Minnesota, where the National Weather Service said blizzard conditions through Saturday could be “life-threatening,” Housing Stabilization Director David Hewitt said shelters or services such as hotel rooms accommodate 242 families, compared to normal. 119 family power.
Hewitt said there has been an overcrowding in county housing since the COVID-19 eviction process and emergency rental assistance programs ended in June. On the same subject : Don’t be too confident – Science shows that it can endanger your health.
He said: “We have 300 more children in shelter today than this time last year.
Thousands of people trying to cross the US-Mexico border every day have put additional pressure on the communities along their path. About 1,000 immigrants were living in Denver city shelters or partner homes as of Thursday, according to a city statement.
In the Texas border city of El Paso, where temperatures were in the young Fahrenheit on Friday morning, shelters were also feeling the combined pressure of the mass exodus and the demand for shelter caused by the situation. of heaven.
“We have cold temperatures and a large number of refugees,” John Martin, head of the Homeless Opportunity Center in El Paso, told CBS News, adding that shelters in the area expecting a 50% to 60% rise this week. . “Everything seems to hit at once.”
Meanwhile, the storm was moving east across the Great Lakes region on Friday.
The Central Iowa Shelter in Des Moines, where hurricane conditions were expected until Saturday, housed 250 people overnight in its 150-person shelter this week, and would not turn away anyone, said director of marketing and business development Melissa Alto-Kintigh. Volunteers were going into the community and encouraging people to seek shelter from the cold.
“There is enough space, although this means that some people sleep on the floor,” he said.
Reporting by Gabriella Borter and Alyson McClaren; Edited by Donna Bryson and Josie Kao
Our standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Many live with relatives, friends, in a car, or in an apartment. Some who live on the streets may find shelter in parks, beaches, and even under bridges.
What do homeless people need the most in winter?
Donate warm clothes, socks and blankets. Don’t let those coats and hats go to waste. Shelters and individuals will appreciate your gently used items, especially socks and blankets, which are needed even more during the colder months.
What do homeless people want for Christmas? For easy access, here are some of the most sought-after items, âtop tenâ if you: This may interest you : OHA: Climate change anxiety plays a big role in a youth mental health crisis.
- Socks (this is the #1 most wanted item)
- Gloves.
- A bottle of water.
- Bandages.
- Wet messages.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Sunscreen.
- Tuna & cracker packages.
How do homeless people survive winter?
In areas where the climate is very cold in winter, most local governments set up shelters for the winter in churches and other public buildings. These are only opened on very cold nights. Read also : The California Governor’s mental health court plan is progressing due to concerns. Look for announcements around town that will tell you which buildings are selected. Check out homeless shelters for a location.
What do you give homeless people in cold weather?
Filling them with essentials can help the whole family to be in better condition this winter. You can include toiletries (deodorant, lip balm, lotion, soap), packaged foods (soft granola, crackers, cookies), and maybe even a few gift cards. Keep these in your car to hand out when you see someone in need.
What can you do if you are homeless in Virginia?
Please contact Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880 (TTY 711), Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A Human Services Specialist will work with you to determine your family’s needs and determine whether you qualify for housing or other emergency services and provide the necessary benefits.
What is considered homeless in Virginia? Homelessness A person or family who is going to lose their home overnight (14 days), provided that no further housing has been found and the individual or family lacks a support network or resources necessary to obtain housing, or.
What organization helps the homeless the most?
The top charity for helping the homeless is the National Association to End Homelessness. They have a similar history of advocating for the rights of homeless people through direct communication with policy makers to overcome this social problem at the state and local levels.
Is homelessness illegal in Virginia?
Virginia is one of only two states, if not the only state, with such a law on the books, according to advocates seeking to repeal the measure. “The Constitution cannot criminalize illness and homelessness,†Elaine Poon of the Legal Aid Justice Center said in a statement after the verdict.
What do you do if you see a homeless person in the winter?
Provide Hot Food and Drinks. If you see a homeless person in cold weather, consider stopping by and asking them if they need anything. This can include a warm meal, a hot drink or just some change.
How does winter affect the homeless? People experiencing homelessness often lack access to essential resources, including winter protective clothing and warm shelter. This is especially true at night, when temperatures can drop below freezing. When your body temperature is 95 degrees Fahrenheit or below, it is important to seek help.
What do you give a homeless person in the winter?
Filling them with essentials can help the whole family to be in better condition this winter. You can include toiletries (deodorant, lip balm, lotion, soap), packaged foods (soft granola, crackers, cookies), and maybe even a few gift cards. Keep these in your car to hand out when you see someone in need.
How do homeless people survive winter?
In areas where the climate is very cold in winter, most local governments set up shelters for the winter in churches and other public buildings. These are only opened on very cold nights. Look for announcements around town that will tell you which buildings are selected. Check out homeless shelters for a location.
What kind of blankets are best for homeless?
The ideal blanket for helping those people effectively is twin size and washable. Unfortunately, while disaster blankets and other disposable blankets are fine, they are often only used as a last resort, in hopes of reducing the amount of unnecessary litter on the streets.
Are wool blankets good for the homeless? Due to the fact that many of these organizations lack funds, some cannot get heat properly. Providing warm, woolen blankets is very important during winter.
How do homeless people stay warm sleeping outside?
Gather blankets and sleeping bags. These will be useful if you are sleeping outside, but they can also keep you warm in the car or in a safer place. Wrap yourself in blankets and get into a sleeping bag for extra warmth.
