Post updated at 12:38 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17:
Lawrence’s Homeless Resource Center is calling for some extra help from the community as snow is on the way and extreme cold is expected to stick around all week.
“We’re deeply concerned for our friends outside right now. This week’s brutal cold is taking a serious toll — many are already suffering from frostbite and trench foot, and conditions will only get worse,” according to a Facebook post from the nonprofit. “Please extend extra grace and compassion when you see someone struggling to survive.”
The Lawrence Community Shelter is the primary location to seek shelter, but the City of Lawrence will also hold University Community of Christ, 1900 University Drive, open 24/7 starting Monday and throughout this week to ensure that everyone has a warm place to go.
Breakfast foods, lunch meats, bread, chips and individually packaged snacks are needed to ensure folks don’t go hungry. Those donations can be dropped off at UCC all week, according to the HRC.
The HRC, 944 Kentucky St., is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and urgently needs snack foods, sugar, creamer, AAA batteries and deodorant, according to the post.
HRC will be out with the city’s Homeless Response Team Monday morning to ensure that people living outside know what resources are available, according to the post.
“No lives have been lost this winter due to the cold — let’s work together to keep it that way,” HRC said in the post. “With (hopefully!) the last brutally cold stretch ahead, we must stay vigilant and support one another.”
The city is seeking volunteers ages 18 and up to cover four-hour shifts at UCC. Those who are interested in helping can learn more and sign up at this link.
The city has had a job listing for a part-time Homeless Response Team member posted since October and also recently posted a temporary shelter support staff position.
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Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
