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Pocono News Section
Frigid Temperatures Cause Emergency Shelters to Open
Frigid Temperatures Cause Emergency Shelters to Open - Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 11:51PM EST
WEST PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY- With temperatures falling to dangerously low levels, concern for the homeless is in the forefront. Area shelters are crowded and emergency shelters are opening up. Without a warm place to stay, the consequences could be dire for some.
“It's just too cold out there now," says ‘James,’ who is homeless and didn’t want to use his real name. He stays warm while living on the streets of Wilkes-Barre through donations from organizations like V. I.S. I.O. N. "Layers, lots of layers and bed rolls. The Reach gives bed rolls out and so does V. I.S. I.O. N," he says.
James and dozens of other homeless men are out of the cold thanks to V. I.S. I.O. N. The organization opened two emergency shelters in West Pittston and Dallas. The frigid temperatures and the risk of frost bite are the main concern for the homeless now.
Vince Kabaskisky has been running V. I.S. I.O. N. for more than 20 years. The organization provides food, clothing and a warm place to stay for the homeless. Kabasinsky says the number of local people asking for help is astounding. “We're beyond the crisis level because of the temperatures and the economy," he says.
He's asking for the public's help in keeping an eye out for people who may need help. “We beg the general public if they see anyone who doesn't have a place to stay to call the police department," he says.
James and his friend Ben say their lives would be much harder without V. I.S. I.O. N.'s help. “It would be a living hell for the simple fact that they're providing help to someone who really needs it," says James.
If you see someone who needs help you can contact V. I.S. I.O. N, at 262-1409. If you'd like to donate to V. I.S. I.O. N., the number to call is 825-9948. | |
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