Newswatch 16’s Melissa Steininger explains how emergency shelters are preparing for extra visitors.
SCRANTON, Pa. — As the sun comes up, cold feet fill the Community Intervention Center in Scranton; proof that winter’s harsh chill has arrived early.
“What CIC does is we open early and stay open late, so there is a 24-hour cycle of safe places to be for people experiencing homelessness,” said Eileen Wilson, Executive Director of CIC.
About 120 people walk through the doors, nearly every day at this day shelter, many coming in for a daily breakfast or hot lunch. But as the cold settles in, every seat fills up even faster.Â
“If you’re outside or under a bridge, you don’t really have anywhere else to go. You come here, you have socialization. If you’re not trying to do drugs that day or alcohol that day because we are a drug-free or alcohol free agency, so they know if they come here they’ll be in a safe place,” said Jason Griffiths, Case Manager.
The shelter is preparing for a brutal stretch ahead as the Cold Blue Alerts continue.
Staff help connect people with overnight shelters across the city, making sure beds are filled wherever available.Â
But for those who choose to stay out overnight, workers will hand out whatever they can to help them stay warm.
“Everybody who walks into CIC, we know them, we love them, and we care about them. And we are actually very worried about them being safe at night,” said Wilson.
Shelter leaders say the biggest need right now is donations of warm-weather gear, as this stretch of cold, windy nights is expected to linger on and the season is just beginning.
“People are nervous, the weather is getting a little bit scary. But this is what CIC does, this is what we’ve been doing for more than 50 years. We are here for everyone who needs us all the time, every single day. We’re ready for us, and with the support of our community, we can keep doing it,” said Wilson.
A Code Blue Alert is issued through Monday, and the CIC is open, ready, and warm for anyone who needs it in Scranton.Â