First snowfall poses challenges for homeless people in Quad Cities
Community members without homes face cold weather outdoors as local organizations provide winter gear and support
DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - As the Quad Cities prepare for their first snowfall of the season, some community members will face the cold weather on the streets: people without a home.
The Third Place QC, a daytime drop-in center serving those without homes, provided winter gear, including blankets, coats, socks, hats, sleeping bags, and hand and foot warmers, as well as information and support to help individuals contact family members and find places to stay out of the cold.
Christine Adamson, director of The Third Place QC, said there is an increase in the number of people becoming unsheltered, and without enough beds in local shelters, they have to prepare to be outside.
“The harsh reality is that there are more people who are experiencing homelessness than there are beds available in those programs,” Adamson said. “I think one of the sort of dark, difficult things to discuss at this time of year is that even if every single person were able to get into a shelter during these bad winter conditions, right now there’s just not enough beds for them to go to, so they have to be prepared to be outside in the inclement weather.”
Adamson said this is the first time in 20 years that the Quad Cities doesn’t have a winter shelter, due to new city ordinances in Rock Island. She is encouraging public officials to push for a solution and work with nonprofits to create a plan.
In the meantime, the community can help those facing the cold weather outdoors.
“If you see someone who is outside in these elements, the least we can all do is be kind to them and check on them,” Adamson said. “I really encourage anybody who may see someone in a public area that might be struggling with unsheltered homelessness right now to just remember that they are one of us as well, and a little bit of kindness and compassion can go a long way.”
Adamson said they want to expand their services to the weekends. Those interested in donating to support their work can visit thethirdplaceqc.org.
For more information about shelter services and resources:
• Humility Homes and Services: humilityhomes.org - (563) 322-8065
• Christian Care: christiancareqc.org - (309) 786-5734
• Salvation Army: centralusa.salvationarmy.org/quadcities - (563) 324-4808
• Family Resources: famres.org - (563) 326-6431
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