Winter weather and frigid temperatures are quickly approaching. Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (mtko.org) serves as a safe refuge where the working poor and individuals experiencing homelessness can receive meals, take showers, do laundry, and pick up mail.
For those experiencing unsheltered homelessness, the freezing weather brings a high risk of developing life threatening conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia. Matt Talbot is preparing for the cold days and nights ahead by asking for donations of hand and foot warmers, tents, blankets, sleeping bags, and large or extra-large men’s winter gloves and hats.
In addition to working with individuals who come to Matt Talbot, the outreach team also seeks out those experiencing homelessness by walking the downtown streets and hiking to undeveloped land in Lincoln to reach out to individuals who are camping. Sometimes the outreach is as simple as offering a caring smile and some warm winter gloves. Other times the outreach might involve helping a person receive crisis support or medical care. The goal is to meet immediate needs when possible, build trust, and increase the chances that eventually people will be receptive to receiving services that can help move them off the street and into safe shelter.
If you are interested in holding a drive at your business or school to collect needed items, please contact Lori Wellman, director of development, at (402) 817-0621 for more information. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. or by appointment. Learn more at mtko.org.