File photo of a volunteer handing a homeless man a new pair of socks the annual Point-In-Time Count of the homeless population in Salt Lake City on Feb. 2, 2013. (Photo: Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — Groups charged with providing homeless resources are requesting donations from the community as cold weather moves into Utah.
It might only be mid-October but weather experts say winter weather is making its way into the Wasatch Front this week.
Many have the luxury of turning on the heater in the car or bundling up on the couch at home, but some do not.
Homeless resource providers say they could use some help as the temperatures start to drop.
“When you’re facing homeless and out in the cold, it’s something that’s really needed,” says Randy Chappell with Catholic Community Services of Utah.
Places like the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake, The Road Home, and Volunteers of America do their best to put roofs over people’s heads. However, there is only so much they can do.
“It can be depressing. I’m not going to lie,” says Jack Fotofili with the Rescue Mission of Salt Lake.
These groups are always in need of donations to help the homeless population. That need drastically increases when the weather takes a turn.
“Warm clothes, coats, sweaters, backpacks…certain things like that,” explains Fotofili.
He says they prefer used clothing to be washed and in usable condition.
Specific needs depend on the organization, but everything is welcome.
“The more donations we can get, the better our homeless friends are going to be taken care of,” Chappell says.
Many of these groups ask that you visit their websites to find out how to donate safely during the pandemic.
These items can be dropped off at:
Weigand Homeless Resource Center — 437 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Rescue Mission of Salt Lake — 463 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
Geraldine E King Women’s Center — 131 E 700 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
The Road Home — 210 S Rio Grande St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Volunteers of America Utah — 435 W Bearcat Dr, South Salt Lake, UT 84115