Homelessness and Natural Disasters

The AP just released an article about how easy it is for members of the homeless population to slip through the cracks during a natural disaster. The wake of Hurricane Ida has left more than homes damaged. For the homeless and many in other forms of poverty, natural disasters leave them particularly vulnerable.

Evacuation is the means most of us would employ to avoid a tropical storm. The idea of “just riding it out” rightly seems ludicrous to us. However, consider what it takes to evacuate an area. You need a means of transportation (usually a car), money for gas, money for food while traveling, money for a hotel or AirBnB out of harms way, etc. Sometimes the person who puts on a brave face and says they will ride it out is really someone who does not have the means to evacuate.

The truth is that we don’t face a lot of immediate danger of tropical storms in Akron, OH. However, weather is no less a deadly force, especially in the winter. Shelter resistant homeless friends face unique dangers every year. If the situation in Louisiana has you concerned about our homeless friends here, now is a great time to help us get ready for winter.

Visit the link below for information on items for donation.

Thanks for all you to do help!