Bridgeport Rescue Mission Prepared to Care for More Homeless During Extreme Cold Weather

 

As nightly temperatures dip below freezing, Bridgeport Rescue Mission is equipped to shelter and feed more homeless men and women seeking refuge and safety from the extreme cold weather.

“When temperatures get this low, it brings to our doors the homeless who might otherwise choose to sleep outside or in a car,” said executive director Terry Wilcox.  “Conditions are too dangerous to sleep outside; blankets and warm clothing are simply not enough to survive.  We’re making room for as many extra folks as possible to keep them safe and warm.”

In addition to the more than 50 men and women served each night in their emergency shelters, the Mission has prepared extra room to accommodate the influx of individuals expected to seek emergency shelter during the frigid temperatures this winter season.

“Our emergency shelters have been operating at maximum capacity,” Wilcox shares.  “We’ve converted part of our chapel and educational classrooms into a men’s overflow shelter and are making extra bed space in our women’s emergency shelter.  We are prepared to accommodate additional homeless men and women immediately,” said Wilcox. 

The increased demand for warm shelter brings extra strain on the building and the staff.  In addition, the Mission has a greater need for food, as well as winter gear given to people living on the streets.  Wilcox said the Mission welcomes in-kind donations of winter wear.  “If someone has one extra pair of gloves, we need them!”  The Mission also appreciates financial donations to help care for more homeless men and women this winter.

For more information on the Mission’s programs and services for homeless and hurting men, women and children, visit www.BridgeportRescueMission.org.

Bridgeport Rescue Mission demonstrates the love of God to hungry, homeless and addicted people throughout coastal Fairfield County, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  We fight poverty from the inside out by providing a place of hope and dignity through a yearlong addiction recovery program, biblical counseling and case management.  We are funded by compassionate individuals, churches, businesses and organizations.