As we get closer to the winter months and watch temperatures slowly drop, many local organizations are already working on preparing our homeless community for freezing temperatures.
Many nonprofits are collecting as many donations as possible. Catholic Charities says they also just started a winter preparation initiative for people in need.
Marie Baxter, the CEO, says, "We're really starting to meet and talk with people about where are they in their journey towards shelter. Are they connected with the Cares Campus? Are they on a sit out from the Cares Campus and they need to go through an appeal process?"
Baxter says the Nevada Cares Campus is about to open their overflow shelter.
Once overnight temperatures start to reach freezing points many other programs will begin participating in "Night Off the Streets," a program where different churches volunteer to shelter people in need to protect them from freezing to death.
The Eddy House says they offer all kinds of programs including community living, transitional living, life skills, and their drop-in and emergency shelter for homeless youths ages 18 to 24.
Catholic Charities and the Salvation Army encourage people to check out their thrift stores where they can find warm clothes and other necessities.
Major Randy Hartt, Northern Nevada Coordinator for The Salvation Army, says, "Jackets, warm weather clothing, we're able to do that through vouchers. It's all free to the public. They can come in, and they can just get a clothing voucher to do that as well. And of course, we're also always able to help with other things like food, help offset costs."
You can help our homeless community prepare for the winter season by donating to any of these local organizations. Whether it's clothes, food, money, or supplies, anything helps.
