READING, Pa. – The dangerous cold has settled in as we plunge to single digits overnight.
“The reality is, people do die because of the elements,” said Elise McCauley, assistant director of Berks County Coalition to End Homelessness.
It’s a sad reality that the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness and a number of other shelters and organizations are fighting against as they do everything in their power to provide shelter and food to a vulnerable population during these extreme temperatures.
“Right now, because of the cold, we’re prioritizing the outreach to people who are unsheltered,” McCauley said. “[We’re] handing out more blankets and we’ve gotten a lot of donations of warm weather gear, scarves, socks, hand warmers. Also, [we’re] trying to connect with people and encourage them to go inside to the shelters.”
“With this inclement weather we realize that those who are unsheltered are the most at risk,” said Robert Turchi, CEO of Hope Rescue Mission.
The Hope Rescue Mission in Reading has added extra sleeping accommodations and is allowing people to stay inside during the daytime. They’ve even had extra heaters installed in the chapel.
“We’re going to do whatever it takes to keep people out of the dangerous weather,” Turchi said.
Opportunity House in Reading has expanded services to meet the growing need, repurposing a classroom that will allow additional women and couples to come in overnight. They are also finding shelter for families.
New Journey in the 100 block of S. 6th Street in Reading is functioning as a daytime warming center and providing three meals a day.
“It’s not something they normally have the capacity to do,” said McCauley. “They really are just doing it because of the cold.”
Berks Coalition to End Homelessness can help connect people to the resources they need if they don’t know where to turn.