CLEVELAND — As the temperatures are expected to plunge into dangerously cold territory, groups around Cleveland are lending a helping hand to those without a warm bed to crawl into.
“If people are out too long in them, they are at risk for frostbite, and we start to worry that this is the weather that people could die -- freeze to death -- in,” Megan Crow, the Executive Director of the Metanoia Project said.
The group has a shelter open Friday through Monday, but with the cold temps, they are staying open for two straight weeks.
They offer showers, food, clothing and basic supplies for folks in need.
“We want to make sure that we take extra time to remind them to wear an extra pair of socks, to use hand warmers, to bundle right up,” Crow said.
That means a higher bill for this non-profit. It costs the group around $1,000 to operate each night with rent cost and staff pay.
On the other side of town, Cleveland Clothing Company hosted their annual Season of Giving day.
For every hoodie, pair of socks or hat sold, one will be donated to an organization that helps the homeless.
“We’re packing up 2,000 units of each,” Mike Kubinski with Cleveland Clothing Company said. “It’s just a great way to help out Clevelanders during the winter time. Especially the cold season coming up.”
If you want to help, donations to the Metanoia Project can be made on the church’s website.
Checks can be made payable to The Metanoia Project and mailed to P.O. Box 93453, Cleveland, Ohio 44101. Cash, checks, supplies and clothing can also be dropped off during business hours.
