Chippewa Valley Street Ministry Journal
February 19, 2025
The daylight is sticking around longer but the cold temperatures didn't let up over the last few weeks. Several days were wickedly cold: subzero temps all day with wind gusts that made the temperatures even more dangerous. We were out on our usual days knowing that the people we serve often need us more during the cold days and nights more than any other time: their safety is of the utmost importance to us and we provide what we can to increase the safety of our friends. We were grateful for the amount of blankets, hoodies, sweatpants, hand warmers, and boots that we were able to provide. We gave out gloves, hats, coats, and many sets of thermal underwear, as well. It is an unfortunate fact that there are still people that are living in the elements.
Almost a full moon on a cold, clear afternoon.
The cold brings significant risk to the unhoused community.
One young woman shared that she and a few other people stay in a vehicle that is not running but it keeps the wind out. It is unclear to us why she and her friends do not stay at the shelter. While we gently suggest alternatives, it is ultimately their decision and we can only hope for their safety. She asked for a blanket, a hoodie, and sweatpants to layer over what she was wearing.
The sunshine and clear skies are deceiving: it was COLD and windy when we arrived to serve our brothers and sisters.
The risk of frostbite or hypothermia is a real threat at these temperatures, even in short periods.
We've been making regular visits to the local jail to visit with our brothers and sisters who are being detained. Some people don't have anyone to talk to or support them when they're on the street other than our volunteers. If our friends are detained, they lose that contact, as well, so we make efforts to visit when we can. If a jail is privatized, as is this county's, it can be costly to receive certain services for a person who has low-to-no income going in to serve their time. Medical care has a cost, phone service and email service have fees attached. There is an ordering service (Canteen) for other items such as underclothing, food not provided by the kitchen and other items, but this can be expensive. We have provided funding for some of these necessities but this is a practice that is costly to CVSM over time. Few people have had family members willing or able to assist with their needs.
Karen and Ella trying to protect their faces from the cold air.
We were unable to identify many of the people we served as their faces were covered from the frigid temps.
We hope that you haven't been affected but you likely know someone who has been sick recently; it seems there has been a lot of influenza and Covid going around. The people we serve have not been excluded, many have been miserable with coughs and fevers. One woman said she didn't feel well and asked for two blankets in addition to the blanket she was carrying. Once we provided them, she went across the street and laid on the cold sidewalk. We've talked with her since then and she feels better, but it was a stark reminder that the unhoused don't have beds or couches or recliners to rest in while they recover from illnesses, injuries or medical procedures.
Scott is talking with a guest and distributing requested items.
Everyone who visits us expresses heartfelt gratitude for the items, food, and beverages that they receive. While we're out there, we couldn't provide those items without you; the gratitude we hear must be shared with you. From the people we serve and benefit from the many donations you have provided, THANK YOU. You do not realize how many hands you've kept warm with the hand warmers that were provided, or the feet that were not frostbitten because of the thick, warm socks that were distributed. Every item makes a difference. Because of your generosity, we can purchase items that may not have been donated. It is vital to our service and to the well-being of the people we serve to keep the donations coming in.
Our friends and volunteers are looking forward to the forecast and the suggestion of warmer and safer weather. Please keep our community's unhoused and the street ministry in your thoughts. If you can help out and donate, thank you. Our needs list has been updated and attached for your review.
Thank you,
CVSM volunteers
