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Homeless advocates warn of frostbite risk

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Posted at 9:30 PM, Dec 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-18 23:22:20-05

With an arctic plunge taking effect across Northeast Ohio, groups that help the homeless are sounding the alarms about frostbite and a critical shortage of supplies.

Megan Crow with The Metanoia Project, a nonprofit that provides shelter and services for the homeless, said Sunday night’s bitter cold meant an influx of people in need. The group houses homeless people at St. Malachi’s Catholic Parish on W. 25th St. in Cleveland.

"We don’t turn people away. We’ve never turned anyone away,” Crow said. “The need is so strong. We need boots so badly. There are frostbitten feet that I can’t find boots. There are doctors coming in saying we need something to cover these feet and we can’t get them in fast enough.”

Crow said her organization needs not just boots, but underwear and socks after several men can in to the shelter with frostbite in just the last two weeks.

“Socks are probably the number one most needed item among the homeless,” she said.

Crow said those tax-deductible donations typically pick up around the end of the year, but even compared to previous years she said those donations are down.

 

For more information contact them at (216) 212 – 5305.