Cold. Tired. Frostbit. Hungry. Mental health issues. Chemical dependency. Unemployment. Dirty. Unshaven. Unwanted and not welcomed.
All could be used to describe homeless individuals and the state of The Pearl City’s homeless population.
However, The United Christian Advocacy Network’s City Mission is dedicated to helping the downtrodden and is bracing for the upcoming cold winter, and all that which foul weather tends to unleash upon the homeless.
For some time now, UCAN has been at full capacity and has had to turn away homeless individuals seeking shelter– this includes women, children and couples. This could be an indication of what ominous things this winter season may bring.
“There’s a couple, mid-30s, living in the parking garage across the street from us- they’ve claimed a corner,” said Aaron Wadin the executive director of UCAN City Mission. “Unfortunately, we only accept males, but I’ve brought them some items to help them out.”
UCAN is at full capacity, and is requesting assistance from community members as it braces for the upcoming winter.
“We’re full. “We’ve just had to turn away an individual today,” said Wadin. “We anticipate we will remain full through the winter. I wanted to highlight how generous our community is and has been with donating food, funds, gift cards, clothing and bedding. I’m blow away and in awe of the generous nature of our supporters.”
However, UCAN still needs help.
“We’re pretty good with regular clothing right now,” added Wadin. “However, we could use dry goods, gift cards for Aldi or any grocery store, long johns or thermal underwear, hats and gloves are always needed, and of course any monetary donation is always needed and greatly.
Source: The Post Journal
