The frigid temperatures and wind chill factor do not create more homeless people. They do increase the risks to the health and safety of people who are homeless.
Friends of the Homeless, Inc. is responding to minimize that risk in several important ways but it comes at a cost beyond our normal operations.
- Friends of the Homeless, Inc. does not turn people away just because there’s “no room at the inn.” For some time, we have added additional beds in our dining hall and wherever we can, when the number of people needing shelter increases. For the winter months, we are also run an overflow shelter to accommodate an additional thirty people. The cost of overflow sheltering alone is $60,000.
- Friends of the Homeless operates the only day center for people who are homeless, a safe, warm place where people can spend the hours when emergency shelters are closed. While we operate a day center offering case management and programs year –round, we keep our dining hall open all day for additional space in severe weather. These facilities will be expanded and modernized as part of the new resource center now under construction.
- Friends of the Homeless’ boiler broke down this week. While making the repair, problems with the remaining boilers were identified. The repair costs are still being calculated.
- Friends of the Homeless is seeing the same increases in heating costs as everyone else. Based on last year's costs, we estimate that we will spend almost $50,000 this year on our facilities.
- Friends of the Homeless has gone green. We’ve installed new energy efficient shower heads to reduce the daily amount of water used and save money. Still, providing approximately 150 showers per night for people who are homeless uses a lot of hot water!
- Friends of the Homeless can often provide protective clothing, hats and gloves to people who come to us without proper protection from the elements, thanks to generous friends in the community over the holidays. Those people without adequate housing often do without proper clothing, footwear, transportation and nutrition as well.
- Friends of the Homeless is serving more meals. A higher number of people are coming to our dining room for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the week than have in a long time.
- Friends of the Homeless in collaboration with Healthcare for the Homeless, track the health and get treatment for people exposed to the weather, before their condition becomes too severe.
The economy has taken its toll on everyone and monetary donations over the holidays were down. We hope that with the New Year our neighbors can find a way to offer financial help. Please help Friends of the Homeless, Inc. fulfill our mission and continue to offer dignified care to those in our community who are at risk during this extreme cold weather. Friends of the Homeless, Inc. thanks you for your past generosity and wishes everyone a brighter 2010!
Bay State Gas Company was the first to answer the call for help by presenting Friends of the Homeless, Inc. with a donation of $2,000. Sheila Doiron, Director of Communications and Community Relations for Bay State Gas said, “This donation represents a small part of Bay State Gas Company’s commitment to helping those in need. "
Friends of the Homeless Inc., would like to thank Our Lady of Hope Church Parishioners and Monsignor David Joyce for their generous donation of $5000. Even during this difficult time in the parish history, the congregation is thinking of others. With your help, we will continue to care for people who are homeless with dignity, helping them regain their independence. Our success will be part of your legacy.
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