Cold Weather Crisis: How You Can Help

by Shannon Moriarty · 2009-12-09 13:01:00 UTC
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This week, winter storms are ripping across the United States. It shouldn't come as a shock: cold weather is deadly when your home is outdoors. Several cities have already reported street deaths while others are scrambling to find additional shelter space. You help is desperately needed to combat this crisis; here are four ways you can help your local service providers today.

1. Donate blankets, pillows, and warm weather gear.

Call your local shelter and find out what kind of supplies they need. Take up a collection of warm blankets, gloves, hats, jackets, sweatshirts, long underwear, and scarves. Keep in mind: shelters prefer that blankets and pillow are in new condition for sanitary reasons. And remember that service providers are stretched pretty thin these days trying to meet the needs of shelter guests; the more independently you can conduct your collection, the better.

2. Don't ignore people you see on the streets.

When the weather is cold, ignoring people on the streets can be deadly. Ask a simple question or say hello, wait for a reaction to be sure they are alert and lucid. For more tips on how to react to people on the streets in extremely cold temperatures, read these tips I put together last year.

3. Help combat shelter cabin fever.

Think winter storm cabin fever is bad in your house? Try passing the time in a crowded family, emergency, or day shelter. There are a number of ways you can volunteer to help ease the anxiety of life in a homeless shelter: cook a meal, teach a therapeutic skill (like knitting or painting), organize games for kids, provide homework help, or donate tickets to a show or the movies. As always, it's best to call your local shelter provider and find out what they need the most.

4. Find out if your community is meeting the need for emergency shelter.

Is everyone who needs a place to stay being served? Or are people being turned away? If you don't know the answer to this question, that's a problem. Call you service provider to find out. Call your local news outlet. Call your local representatives. Your curiosity and diligence could save a life.

Image: macrorain

Shannon Moriarty has worked in various homeless shelters and service organizations around the country. She is a graduate student studying housing and urban policy at Tufts University.
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