As temperatures remain low and the wind chill value drops to below zero, the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky in Covington is opening its doors twenty four hours a day.
Typically, it houses homeless guests overnight only but the dangerously low temperatures in the region have prompted a temporary change. A homeless man in downtown Cincinnati was found frozen to death earlier this week.
The shelter put out a call on social media for help from the community:
1. If you see an adult needing shelter, please contact your police by calling the non emergency number in your city/county. They will be transporting.Â
2. We are in need of daytime volunteers to help in shelter between the hours of 9 am – 5pm. You will be opening the door, handing out clothing and anything else that is needed. Great volunteer opportunity for students. Looking for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday.Â
3. Donate men’s size M, L, XL, XXL sweatpants, pj bottoms & coats size XXL or larger.Â
4. Updated- Meals are COVERED! Lunch for 40-50 on Saturday, Sunday & Monday. We will take the first ones that comment. Prefer pizza or brown bag meals.Any questions, please call shelter at (859)291-4555 or email info@esnky.net.
Meanwhile, a friendly competition to help raise funds for the shelter emerged in Ft. Mitchell.
Mayor Jude Hehman and Police Chief Andrew Schierberg are working to out-raise each other for this cause. Both used their birthdays as an opportunity to raise money, using a new offering on Facebook to solicit donations to a charity.
Hehman has raised more than $1,500 and Schierberg brought in over $1,200. The funds will help roughly 150 guests.
To assist the shelter, click here for more information.
-Staff report