As the temperatures tumble, homeless shelters in Reading are making some changes as they prepare to help more people since one shelter in the city remains closed because of code violations.
"We can get up to 30 or 40 people on the floor a night because our objective is to make sure nobody freezes to death in our community," said Delia McLendon, the vice president of services and housing for the Opportunity House on North Second Street.
The Opportunity House can take in about 20 women or couples, while the Hope Rescue Mission on North Sixth Street can take in an additional 50 single men.
"Instead of people who are trying to look to get out of the cold and into warmth, breaking into vacant homes or breaking into cars just to get a little bit of warmth, we are providing a service where we are getting them off the streets," said Frank Grill, the associate director of the Hope Rescue Mission.
But there is some extra pressure on both shelters because City Light Ministries, which typically takes in about 45 men and women, is still closed for renovations..
The city condemned the shelter last spring for failing to have a sprinkler system. The shelter has since installed a sprinkler system and a new boiler as well as upgraded to a commercial kitchen and handicapped bathroom, but it is not expected to open until Thanksgiving.
Until then, both the Opportunity House and Hope Rescue Mission will be taking in the extra people while the region experiences some unseasonably low temperatures.
"Everyone kind of pulls together and tries to do what we can. If they are looking for services, they can engage in services while they are here. If they are just looking to get in out of the cold, that is fine, as well," said McLendon.
If you want to help, you can donate blankets and warm clothing to the Opportunity House, while Hope Rescue Mission is looking for military style cots for the homeless to sleep on.
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