As we navigate these frigid temperatures and blustering winter storms, I can’t help but think about our most vulnerable neighbors, many of whom use our services. Needless to say, this weather is creating some sleepless nights these days. At the same time, I do know that there are actionable ways that we can best support our neighbors in need this winter, but it is going to take a village (or a Valley!) to make this possible.
The first group in our community who I am greatly concerned about are our unhoused neighbors, both in the Valley and throughout Montgomery County. While our Code Blue shelter has been used this season by 10 unique individuals at various times, at last count, there were almost 600 unhoused individuals throughout the county, but only 180 beds. Beyond nights, there are even fewer places where each of them can go during the day to stay warm, especially here in the Upper Perkiomen Valley. The Upper Perk Homelessness Coalition and The Open Link continue to partner together to:
1. Provide the Code Blue shelter for unhoused men
2. Work to provide women with transportation to other shelters if possible
3. Are currently identifying resources during the day so that we may provide additional options
However, to keep the current Code Blue operation up and running, we need a steady stream of 8 volunteers per night. This year, the Code Blue shelter has closed several times because there were not enough volunteers to cover the shifts. If the last few weeks are any indication, it is going to be a long Code Blue season, and the shelter will need lots of volunteers to continue to support the operation. I can’t imagine being out overnight in these temperatures, and I pray that our efforts help keep people from being left out in the cold. Please consider becoming a Code Blue volunteer, donating to the shelter, and/or shopping our Code Blue wishlist so that our unhoused neighbors have a safe place to stay.
I also worry that families are struggling with the temperatures and the snow days. Having kids home from school for multiple, unplanned days can have a big impact on already high grocery bills, as students miss their free or reduced meals when school is closed. Families are also seeing higher utility bills, especially among these freezing temperatures. I’ve mentioned many times before about the already high cost of housing in Montgomery County. Families were already stretched thin before the winter, but now, parents are missing work due to closures and/or to care for their children, taking on major additional food and utility expenses, and are wondering how they’ll be able to survive the next few months financially. Some of the best ways to help these families in need are donating items to our Pantry or donating to The Open Link directly to help fund our Rent and Utility Assistance Program.
In addition to our unhoused neighbors and families, I am very concerned about our seniors. Not just the risk of falls from snow and ice, but the vulnerability of living on a fixed income, especially as utility prices soar. The Open Link has seen a significant increase of seniors asking for help to sign up for benefits such as LIHEAP (Low-Income Heat Emergency Assistance Program) and SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), as well as help via our Rent and Utility Assistance Program. Having to choose between staying warm and eating are very real possibilities for about 8% of the seniors in the Valley, and no one should have to make that choice.
I especially worry about our low-income seniors, those who receive Meals on Wheels, and/or those who attend The Center. With the unrelenting icy weather, it is difficult for our volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels each day. Thankfully, when weather is an issue, The Open Link provides our homebound seniors with “Blizzard Bags,” which contain enough food for several days until we can get back out to check on them. Unfortunately, with large and frequent storms, this can span several days. Additionally, for those who regularly attend lunch and The Center’s activities, many choose to stay home and avoid the risks that come with the snow and cold weather, contributing to isolation and a lack of healthy socialization. If you have a senior living near you, a quick check-in, conversation, or offer to help shovel snow or prepare a meal will help combat the loneliness so frequently felt throughout the season - and you may even make a friend! There are also opportunities to volunteer as activity hosts and/or Meals on Wheels packers and drivers this season.
While The Open Link supports our neighbors year-round, this time of year can be particularly challenging. We are thankful for so many of you who, despite the weather, continue to serve the 2:00-5:00 AM shift at the Code Blue shelter, pack Pantry bags, help with Meals on Wheels, and support our Valley community. We could not care for our neighbors without your kindness. Despite my and our community’s ongoing worries, I know that many of our neighbors have stepped up to lend a hand to those in need this winter. Let’s continue doing so, even when the warm weather returns!
MAJOR ANNOUCEMENT: We are excited to announce another tool in the toolbox to help those who might be homebound because of weather, lack of transportation, disability, or age. Thanks to the Foxwynd Foundation, The Open Link received a $25,000 grant to expand access to the pantry. Thanks to their generosity, we will grow our partnership with DoorDash, providing delivery services to those who might otherwise not be able to get food from the pantry. For the complete press release, click here.
