Local Shelters Prepare for the Cold

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - When the temperatures drop and the bitter cold moves in, the number of people needing shelter increases.

Joe Habib, Executive Director at Saint Paul’s Community Center, said staff works hard to provide enough beds to those in need.

" In the winter time, we expand our capacity. We double our capacity basically at night, so people can come out of the cold, especially on a night like this, when it’s too cold and the temperature is supposed to drop to nine... We double our capacity,” said Habib.

Faculty leaders at the Cherry Street Mission said they never turn people away. In fact, if the shelter is at capacity, staff will assist in finding a viable option.

While both organizations are dedicated to ensuring shelter, they too have to consider the increase in the cost of operations due to inflation.

Savannah Rayford, Vice President of Programs and Services at Cherry St. Mission, said the organization is facing inflation just as every other resident.

“With the economic challenges and things people are facing this time of year, you know last year Cherry St. could provide a meal for a little over two dollars per meal. This year in 2022, we’re averaging just over four dollars per meal,” said Rayford.

Both shelters are always in need of donations. You can learn more at Cherry’s Street Mission’s website and at St. Paul’s Community Center’s website.

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