Submitted by J Hutchins.
We need help.
The weather is dangerously cold for unsheltered people existing on the street. To help meet their immediate needs, our county headed committees to oversee the acceptance of donations in the form of blankets, coats and other necessities. Local organizations and volunteers are helping to distribute them.
In this part of the county that means LASA. LASA is storing them in their multipurpose room and looking for volunteers to let unsheltered singles and families know where they can turn for help. If you have safe transportation and are able to donate some time this week, please call LASA at 253-581-8689. With the weather making it difficult for LASA to staff their front desk, you may need to call LASA’s Executive Director, Janne Hutchins on her cell at 253-370-0409.
Please consider helping with this critically needed service by pairing with a neighbor, a friend or some one from your church or service group. Volunteers will be provided a brief orientation and told of areas where we think unhoused people may congregate.
Volunteers will also be provided with blankets and coats and other warm winter clothing to distribute to anyone they come across. Most importantly perhaps is that we’ll use the volunteers to get the word out to those on the street as to where they can go for a warming center, or walk in shelter.
Lakewood is so fortunate to have compassionate professionals who are competent and efficient. Ms Hutchins is speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves: the poor, the vulnerable, the sick. These are drastically challenging conditions that increase the risk of disability and death during cold weather. LASA and the team of volunteers who serve the neighbors who are living homeless are the unsung heroes who make a difference. Under Ms Hutchins’ direction, Lakewood’s most vulnerable population has a better chance to prevent loss of limb and life. On behalf of those who suffer in silence, Thank you Janne and your team at LASA!