Press Release - Mission Opens Second Overflow

For the first time ever, Wayside Christian Mission is opening up a SECOND overflow location, where the homeless coming in to escape the extreme weather and winter storm can sleep in warmth and safety. Since Operation White Flag has been in effect this winter, we have regularly slept up to 120 men on mats in the dining room and TV rooms at our 432 East Jefferson Street location. With the mats and all the beds, we have been housing between 500 and 595 men, women, and children nightly. Tonight, however, as the sleet continues to fall and with more snow and winter weather on the way, the homeless just keep coming to the doors. We have now opened up a second overflow area in the dining hall at 822 East Market Street, bringing to 145 the number of men on mats tonight. Marlene Gordon, Executive Director of the Coalition for the Homeless, has reported that all of the shelters are full. Wayside Christian Mission is the only facility able to open additional overflow tonight and will be accepting additional persons from other shelters as well as police drop offs and more walk-ins. The Samaritan Patrol also scoured the camp areas, viaducts, and other known areas where the homeless attempt to stay out in extreme weather, offering a ride into the mission along with blankets, food, and coffee for those who refuse to seek shelter.

People in the community can help by dropping off blankets, pillows, twin sized sheets and pillowcases, gloves, and other warm clothing items. The Mission would also welcome donations of food items to help feed the extra people, or monetary donations to help offset increased costs of feeding, heating, showering, and laundry that the increased numbers will bring to the Mission. As always, volunteers are welcome to help with the need as well.