FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Even before two people died because of plunging temperatures earlier this week, Fresno Mission was working to provide beds and shelter to the local unhoused population.
The deaths — caused by a warming fire started inside a tent — add to a list of tragedies in recent years due to winter conditions.
This year, Fresno Mission partnered with local hospitals to combat the issue. Community Health System announced Friday it donated $100,000 to Fresno Mission, in addition to more than 60 boxes of coats to hand out to those in need.
“This time of year, we do get a lot of individuals coming in with cold-related illnesses, a lot of untreated wounds,” said Lucky Malhi, COO of Community Regional Medical Center.
Malhi told Action News many of those individuals are the same people the Fresno Mission serves, so it’s important to him that they continue to receive care.
Fresno Mission said they don’t just want to get people through the night, but to also reduce homelessness by helping them become independent.
Recently, a mother and her five children wound up there after being abandoned.
“That family left our care just a short while ago. But when they left, they left with a mother who had gone through a series of parenting classes, they left to go into a stable home. The children had been enrolled in our charter school,” said Fresno Mission CEO Matthew Dildine.
By providing not only beds, but services to help people who want to improve their lives get back on their feet, Fresno Mission says it’s also limiting risk.
But it’s something that will require continued support as they brace for more need through the rest of the winter.
If you want to donate or volunteer, you can do so by visiting Fresno Mission’s website.
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