Here’s how you can help homeless people during the dangerously cold temperatures around the country right now
As January comes to a close, several states, particularly in the Midwest, are experiencing their coldest temperatures in decades. The freezing temperatures have caused schools and businesses to shut down, and there could be deadly consequences for those caught outdoors in the subzero weather—homeless people especially are at risk. The Weather Channel reports that Midwestern cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Madison will be hit the hardest in this deep freeze. Many places across the region are set to experience their lowest temperatures in more than 20 years, with wind chills causing the temperature to dip as low as 60 degrees below zero in some places.
According to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, about 80,000 homeless people are currently living in Chicago. The city plans to add 500 shelter beds through this week. Two 24-hour warming centers have been opened, and four pre-existing warming centers have extended hours. Police stations, libraries, and park facilities are also doubling as warming centers. The Detroit Free Press reports that Detroit has four warming centers available. Additionally, several libraries and recreation centers will provide people with shelter from the brutal weather.
REMINDER! @ChiFamSupport six Community Service Centers are operating as warming centers & are opened today from 9am-8pm. Garfield Center, located at 10 S. Kedzie & King Center, located at 4314 S. King Drive are open 24 hours! Call 3-1-1 to find the nearest warming center to you. pic.twitter.com/NpJn93CV9H
— Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (@ChiFamSupport) January 30, 2019
If you know or see someone who is homeless, helping them find a warming center can be a good course of action. In Chicago, you can dial 311 to locate a center or visit www.keepwarmillinois.gov, which has information about warming centers across the state. In Detroit, you should contact the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) at 313-628-2451. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, in Wisconsin, you should call 211 or visit it online for information about warming centers.
We're anticipating more extreme cold weather and snow over the next week. Please help us get the word out about by RTing this.
If you or someone you know is suffering from no heat in your home, call BSEED at 313-628-2451. If someone is suffering from extreme cold, call 911. pic.twitter.com/7CKgMYSmw5
— City of Detroit (@CityofDetroit) January 25, 2019
Lyft is also offering free rides to warming centers in Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Madison.
To help our communities avoid the extreme cold caused by the polar vortex, we're providing Relief Rides to warming centers across Chicago, the Twin Cities, Milwaukee, Madison and Detroit until 2/1. https://t.co/nhOXdlN9rD
— Lyft (@lyft) January 29, 2019
Donating directly to shelters or to charities offering warming centers is one of the best ways to help the homeless right now. In Minnesota, HOPE 4 Youth and The Bridge for Youth are two nonprofits offering shelter to young people during the freezing weather. Some organizations have wish lists that you can check if you want to give supplies. Otherwise, donating money is always a good option. Check with shelters or charities where you live to see what they need.
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/1090356153727369216
Of course, this list is far from exhaustive, but it’s a place to start. Stay safe, everyone.
