As Arctic Blast Sweeps Denver, Rescue Mission Enhances Support for Vulnerable Populations
The Denver Rescue Mission is increasing its efforts to shield vulnerable residents from the severe weather as Colorado prepares for a sharp drop in temperature as a deep frost moves across the area. To make sure that as many people as possible have a secure place to remain during this hazardous weather event, the shelter is one of several local groups that will expand their capacity.
Anyone living outside faces a major risk from the subfreezing temperatures predicted over the next few days. According to estimates, 29% of homeless people in Denver live outside. These people frequently take refuge in open camps, automobiles, abandoned buildings, and under bridges.
They run the risk of suffering severe injuries or maybe dying if they can’t find a place indoors because these settings, regrettably, provide little defense against the bitter cold.
“People’s lives are going to be threatened. People who would not ordinarily seek shelter, who would not come into a shelter for whatever reason, this weather drives them into shelter, and we’re thankful for that it does because we don’t want anyone to die out on the street because of the cold, however it puts a huge strain on our organization,” Dennis Van Kampen, President & CEO of the Denver Rescue Mission stated. “When we see far more people come in that means we need to add staff because we have to keep a safe environment, a productive environment. It means that we’re going to serve a lot more food. It means we have a challenge if we can house everyone that wants to come.”
The Denver Rescue Mission will be working nonstop to give shelter and assistance to those in need during the arctic blast, even though most Colorado residents will probably stay safe and warm in their homes.
As they work to save lives and guarantee the protection of Denver’s homeless population, their actions are vital amid such severe weather conditions.
Denver Rescue Mission spokeswoman Van Kampen highlighted the value of community assistance during this time and listed three ways that everyone may help the mission save lives.
“Our goal is to serve as many people as possible so that no one is out on the streets that doesn’t want to be, but it really does tax our organization,” Van Kampen further added.
Contributions to this campaign will be used to offset the higher expenses of the emergency response effort and will go directly to the Denver Rescue Mission.
These donations will assist in paying for the costs of increasing the shelter’s capacity, serving hot meals, and supplying necessities like winter clothing, blankets, and other items required to fend off the extreme cold.
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The lives of individuals experiencing homelessness during this dangerously cold time can be greatly improved by the community’s kindness and cooperation.
“If you see someone on the streets and it’s 5 below zero or five above with a wind chill, try to help them. If you’re not comfortable talking to that person, then maybe you call for help, maybe you all the non-emergency police line and say, ‘Can somebody go check on this individual who’s on this corner or under this bridge?’” he said. “Also, we are desperately looking for outer winter weather clothing for men and particularly the plus sizes – 2X, 3X, 4X. We’re running low on that. One of the things we hope to do is make sure that when guests come to us and they leave and go back out in the cold, they can have a winter coat. They can have a hat, gloves, boots that they need.”
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Colorado people can guarantee that the Denver Rescue Mission has the resources it needs to respond to this crisis and safeguard those most at risk from the frigid temperatures by banding together to support programs like the Spread the Warmth campaign.
The Denver Rescue Mission offers a ray of hope and protection for people who have nowhere else to go as the arctic blast rips through Colorado.
The mission is committed to rising to the occasion and provide warmth, shelter, and care to as many people as possible during this crucial time with the aid of donations and community support.