Dropping temperatures dangerous to the communities most vulnerable
SALISBURY, Md. — It’s getting chilly on Delmarva, and officials told WMDT they are working to protect the community’s most vulnerable residents during the winter months.
Halo Hope and Life Outreach Executive Director Celeste Savage said, “We operate a regular emergency shelter, but people out in the cold like this need a place to come. So we are welcoming walk-ups to come to the shelter at night. We will find space for them, a cot.”
In addition to its shelter, HALO’s café serves three hot meals a day.
“They’re guaranteed to get a good, hot meal to warm up and coffee until the supply runs out,” Savage said.
HALO’s resource and respite center is open Monday through Friday during the day. While Christian Shelter Inc. does not have available cots, it may be able to help with food, Executive Director Anthony Dickerson said. “Hopefully we can do something to accommodate them.”
Shelter officials encouraged everyone to dress for the weather.
“Garments, you know — gloves, hand warmers, hat, earmuffs. Because it is cold out there — it is very cold,” Dickerson said.
With dangerously cold temperatures forecast, officials are asking people to spread the word about the help available.
“If you see them on the street, just tell them that we’re open. They can come up, and then also the other piece of that is they don’t have to stay the next day if they don’t want to. If they want to leave and go back to their tent, that’s entirely up to them. We just want them safe,” Savage said.
Dickerson added, “I just want everybody to have a Merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous New Year and please, please keep warm and keep safe.”
Both shelters are looking for donations such as blankets and coffee. Christian Shelter Inc. is also seeking toilet paper. Both shelters are always in need of volunteers.
If you are interested in donating here is a link to, https://haloministry.org/give-now/
If you are interested in donating here is a link to, https://christianshelter.org/donate/
