HELP NOW! Winter Coats, Boots, and Gloves Needed in Rochester, MN

This morning, I was driving to a meeting that was held at the Hilton in downtown Rochester.  The giant building that is home to many fancy galas in our community sits just down the street from The Salvation Army Social Services Center.  While businesses were just starting to open around town, about 40 people were waiting by the main doors to get inside the day center at The Salvation Army.  Huddling around all of their belongings they waited, outside, in the cold, for a place to warm up.

Winter is Coming.  What's Rochester's Plan to Help Keep The Homeless Warm Overnight

Rochester may have banned camping for our homeless population but that has not eliminated our problem of not having enough housing or services for everyone.  They've just been pushed out of the downtown area far enough so you don't see them.  Walk into any of our nonprofits in town that help those experiencing homelessness and you will see that the people didn't just go away.  You just can't see them as easily.  And while we have some beds to help house our homeless population overnight, the number of beds available is not adequate and our town is failing in this capacity.

Winter is not a surprise in Minnesota.  If our community truly had compassion for this population, a plan would have been established years ago as homelessness became a topic of struggle, disdain, repulsiveness, and anger for downtown businesses.  I know there is a group that is working together towards this goal right now, but without action, a plan is just words.

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FACT:  Winter is Coming in Minnesota and EVERYONE Must Dress for the Elements

Fact is that we will have homeless individuals outside again this winter.  Camping ban or not.  They are outside right now.  And one thing that we know about Minnesota is that we can have some very harsh days.  Dressing for the elements is important, and that is where you and I can step up to help.

Donate Winter Clothing and Accessories on October 14th in Rochester, Minnesota

It's time to look through your closets, bins with your gloves and hats because a donation drive is happening in our area.  The Salvation Army in Rochester, Minnesota will be gathering winter clothing and accessories to help those in need on October 14th from 9:30 am until 6:00 pm at 20 First Avenue NE in Rochester and will be collecting the following for children and adults:

• new and gently used heavy winter coats,
• new and gently used insulated boots,
• new and gently used winter gloves

Questions about donating winter gear and items?

If you have any questions about the donation drive, reach out to The Salvation Army at 507-288-3663, ext 3802.