Helping The Homeless In Bitter Cold
PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) - Bitter cold is making its way to Pittsburgh early next week and furnaces will be on high, and people will be under their blankets trying to keep warm.
Some people have a home with no heat or no home at all, and with temperatures forecasted below zero for highs, being outside can be deadly.
Reverend Paul Abernathy with FOCUS Pittsburgh joined Larry and John to talk about what you can do to help those less fortunate.
Where do the homeless go when temperatures get dangerous? Rev. Abernathy says nonprofits will open their doors and extend hours to try to help the homeless deal with the cold. "The community of homeless persons in Pittsburgh knows the places which they can go which will welcome them in these temperatures," says Rev. Abernathy.
He says it is encouraging to see so many people willing to help. The Reverend says, "As a community, people are very warm and receptive whenever we are dealing with these extremes, and so it is a time of great charity, also a time of great concern."
Reverend Abernathy uses times like these to try to build a sense of community and help the homeless by forging, "relationships through the gifts that we offer in this spirit of generosity and hospitality." He adds that something as simple as a can of food or a blanket can transform into a symbol of love and caring that a person may not have previously felt.
How can you help? Rev. Abernathy says there are a few things you can do. "One thing we are at a shortage [of] right now is coats, gloves, cold winter hats, and blankets." He adds that blankets are an important donation because they not only help the homeless; they also help those who have a house without heat.
Donations can be dropped off at their offices are in the Hill District at 2228 Center Avenue. You can also call 412-261-1234 or visit www.FOCUSNorthAmerica.org.
Rev. Paul Abernathy
Listen to Larry Richert and John Shumway every weekday from 5 to 9am on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.
