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Stamford's homeless shelters and soup kitchens weathered the blizzard Sunday and Monday by being prepared well in advance of the storm by adding more beds.
"From mid-October on, we prepare for cold weather emergency situations like this storm that hit," said Jerome Roberts, associate director of Stamford's Shelter for the Homeless, which operates the Pacific House Shelter. "When the weather gets colder, we increase our census to about 100 from 67 and add beds and supplies for the larger number of clients."
When a storm hits the city, the shelter officials say they worry that staff and volunteers won't be able to make it in to help and that donations of food and clothing won't be delivered on time.
Betsy Lopez of New Covenant House of Hospitality on Fairfield Avenue in Stamford saw a smaller group attend the regular Sunday lunch as the storm rolled in.
"We served a total of about 75 lunches, which is half the number we usually serve on a weekend day," she said. "But most of our guests do have a place to live so the lower number is probably due just to the bad weather."
Even with this storm behind them, Pacific House still needs underwear, socks and T-shirts, all of which must be new because of Health Department regulations. Nonperishable food items as well as hats, gloves and coats are always appreciated. All items should be in men's large sizes.
You can make a donation to Pacific House by going to its website at www.shelterforhomeless.org/ or by calling 203-406-0017.
Do you have questions or comments about the homeless situation in Stamford? Post them below or contact John at jlupton@mainstreetconnect.us.
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