Local Shelter Preparing for Colder Temperatures (VIDEO)

As the temperatures decrease for the winter, the amount of people visiting homeless shelters in Montgomery County increases.

“We see a significant increase in the winter months,” said Jennifer Schiller, chief programs officer, Montgomery Coalition for the Homeless (MCCH).  “At least double, if not triple will be accessing our emergency shelter.”

Winter starts on Nov. 1 and goes through Mar. 31. On average, staff at MCCH will serve 60 to 65 individuals during the summer months.  During the winter, that number can go up to 235. More people means there’s a greater need for food and staff from MCCH are asking for the community’s help.

“One of the most important things the community can do and already does do significantly, is feed the men here at our emergency shelter here on Gude Drive,” said Debbie Ezrin, director of development and communications, Montgomery Coalition for the Homeless.

Because the shelter lacks a cooking kitchen, staff can only warm food and serve it.

“Every meal served to our clients is prepared in someone else’s kitchen and delivered here to serve,” said Ezrin. “When you think about what that means, there’s 365 days a year and we serve three meals a day. That’s about 1,100 instances of meals over the course of the year.”

Staff says in addition to meals, the shelter is in need of socks and men boots to ensure their client’s safety during the winter months.

For more information on how to donate, click here or visit www.mcch.net.

About Mitti Hicks

Mitti Hicks is a multimedia journalist and community engagement specialist with Montgomery Community Media. She is passionate about telling stories that impact our community and may be reached at MHicks@mymcmedia.org and on Twitter @mittimegan.

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