HOMELESS: Thanks for the help

As the weather turns chilly, many folks are cozying up at home. It’s a time of the year to be thankful and celebrate the holidays.

Yet, winter takes a toll. There’s a whole community of people trying to survive harsh weather who are sleeping in cars, abandoned homes, alcoves, construction sites, behind buildings away from the wind or in the woods. Unfortunately, many people don’t survive the experience.

Since most emergency shelters don’t open until temps dip below freezing, that leaves a lot of time when homeless people are forced to fend for themselves outside.

Homeless will say, “Sometimes, when you’re hungry, you don’t worry about the cold. Your feet get cold in a car to the point they’re numb. If I have a big enough coat and some gloves, once you wrap up tight and close your eyes, you stay pretty warm.” Survival mode, layering up. Stories of invisible people sleeping outside this winter.

Not if we can help it! That’s when St. Vinny’s steps in with our community warming shelter. A shelter that wouldn’t exist without the support of grants, corporate and private donations, thrift store sales and volunteerism!

Which leads me to this — while looking into the eyes of many folks at our shelter on Thanksgiving Day, it compelled me to share this story about an eight-year-old boy named Connor. He and his dad, Jon, have been donating (a lot of) warm winter clothing to the shelter since Connor was four. Dad instilling care-for-others in our next gen and Connor paying it forward. It warms my heart, and others, too!

Homelessness — it’s a situation no one ever plans for. And many of us are just one paycheck or tragedy away. Each person comes with a story — someone’s son, someone’s sister, every one worthy of respect.

Thanks for your support Kootenai County. You’re the best!

LARRY RILEY

Executive Director

St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho