It may still be autumn, but Erie is way past sweater weather. With snow on the forecast, it is getting colder and harder to stay warm. Each year, about 700 people experiencing homelessness die from hypothermia.
Shelters are many times the only safe haven that unhoused people have to keep warm; however, shelters are spread thin when it gets cold due to increased demand. Local shelters told us how they are gearing up for the cold temperatures and how the community can collectively keep as many people warm as possible.
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The Director of Development at Our Neighbors Place, Tracey Applebee’ Davis, told us that they are trying something new this year, “One of the things that we did change this year was asking for a specific type of sleeping bag which are rating to ten degrees or below, they also are the mummy style so as much skin is protected from the elements as possible,” she said. Applebee Davis told us that these sleeping bags go to those who cannot stay at the shelter for whatever reason, so that even outside, they will be protected.
Another shelter, St. Patrick’s Haven, has added five additional cots to increase their sleeping capacity. “Each winter we see more men seeking safety from the cold, and we are positioning ourselves to meet that need. We are also collecting and distributing winter jackets, hats, gloves, thermal layers and hand warmers,” Shelby Folga, the executive director of St. Patrick’s Haven, told us.
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Leaders at another local shelter stressed the need for volunteers. “I would ask you as I ask myself every morning when I get up in the middle of winter and come out my door and walk to my truck and I’m cold, and I’m freezing, until my truck warms up, imagine being out there all night,” said Rob O’Connell, director of outreach at Erie City Mission. At Erie City Mission New Life Center, they reach capacity quickly; however, there are not enough volunteers to keep up with the demand…