Chippewa Valley Street Ministry Journal - December 29, 2021

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As usual, we have lots to talk about but we'll try and keep our discussion to a few key concerns. First and foremost, we're worried about the weather.  Our current mission is solely to keep people as safe as possible and alive from day to day by providing winter gear.  The people we serve are extremely grateful for the items provided. Thank you for giving us the ability to consistently give sleeping bags, coats, gloves, boots, etc., that are so needed to be safe. 

 

We were out on Monday and as we arrived, I checked the weather and it was +19 degrees with a 'real feel' of -3 degrees.  Thankfully, the weather wasn't overly windy but there was a dampness to the air which added to the chill.  The snow on the ground has an icy crust with plenty of ice to slip on underneath it.  With few places to go during the day, there is an abundance of weather dangers to contend with besides hypothermia and frostbite.  The forecast for the next week is cause for safety concerns for those living on the street and for the rest of us.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of our unhoused visitors shared his frustration of having to be out in the cold after a recent storm in which there was both freezing rain and snow.  He had wet clothes and was unable to access his dry clothing where he has it stored. He had gone from place to place trying to get clothing and warmth but was turned away or unsuccessful.  At one point he had put his socks on his hands but then his feet were cold.  He shared that he had been so mad and frustrated that he thought about ending his life, he felt he could not go on like that any longer. He showed up at our table with two different types of gloves, both which were in poor condition, but had been able to get his dry and warm clothes.  We gave him new gloves and will continue to do to help him be safer.  This individual is convinced that he has frostbite, we can't see any obvious signs of this on his fingers or toes but he chronically complains of pain. 

 

There is good news to share: through the cooperative efforts of community agencies, committees, interested individuals and groups, a warming center is being developed. It was able to be open over the Christmas weekend to give people a place to go out of the elements. Until hired staff are secured, the center will be open only on select days, especially Sundays when the buses are not in operation.  Please keep your eyes out for volunteer opportunities. 

 

We're including a few photos to share what we see: 

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The snow is icy and reflecting the light off its surface.

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Conversation with a guest. Christmas goodies were provided by a donor 

and shared with each person who came to us. 

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Brent having a friendly conversation with a visitor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Layers of hoodies, coats and blankets to stay warm.

 

It is cold outside and it is important to remember that not everyone is able to stay at the shelter at night for various reasons.  Please keep the unhoused, unsheltered and highly vulnerable in your thoughts and prayers as they focus on surviving the elements from day to day, night to night. When the warming center is open on a regular basis, please consider volunteering or share the need with others so that the doors remain open and our brothers and sisters have a place to go during the day. 

 

Thank you for your donations, your support and interest of the street ministry.

 

Chippewa Valley Street Ministry Staff