Evansville, Indiana, shelter opens doors as heat wave brings more people in

As the heat settles over the region this week, local organizations are opening their doors to people seeking relief from the sun. Temperatures in the Tri-State are expected to top 90 degrees all week, with a heat index in the triple digits. For people on the streets, the pavement could reach around 140 degrees.

United Caring Services says it will remain open throughout the week to give people a place out of the sun. Leaders there say that, in addition to cool air, the shelter offers free meals, a place to sleep, hygiene items, and clean clothes.

Kim Brown, a team leader at United Caring Services, said staff were struck by the number of people arriving. “I mean, you would never imagine, you know, how many people are out here. How many homeless people, you know, coming in from the air, from the heat.”

Organizers say they have seen a large increase in the number of people coming into the shelter because of the warm weather. Brandy Evans, an inventory clerk specialist at United Caring Services, said the numbers are expected to keep rising. “As the heat goes higher, the more individuals we’re going to have, we’ll have probably over 100 plus on each meal.”

People staying at the shelter told 14 News they are grateful for a place to escape the intense heat. James Farnsley, who is staying there, said, “This probably one of the best places to come. I mean, everybody’s welcome here as long as you don’t cause no problems, you know, and you can get out of the heat and stay cool.” He also described the help available to residents, saying staff can assist with obtaining a Social Security card, an ID, and a birth certificate, and can place a person in a bed if one is open. Farnsley said staff can also connect people with resources to help them find an apartment or a permanent place to stay. Serving strangers in need, as the shelter is doing this week, reflects the hospitality described in Matthew 25:35.

Shelter supervisors say they are in urgent need of donations because of the large number of people arriving. “We run off of donations, so we need plenty of donations. Plenty of water, so we can keep helping them and you all help us.”

In addition to United Caring Services, Evansville Rescue Mission is open to all from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Source: Read the original report