San Antonio—As the temperature plummets, shelter capacity decreases due to COVID, and homeless people are in the cold, many people want to know how to help.
A West End community advocate with many years of experience shared some of her best tips on what is really useful-and what is not-to save lives in the cold.
“My five favorite items: hats, gloves, socks, tarps or polyester film blankets, and lightweight blankets. If you donate items to homeless camps or homeless people, buy cheap ones Items are much easier, because things like socks, for example, become disposable,” Segura said, adding that socks are not just for wearing feet.
“Socks can also be used as emergency gloves. They can keep your arms warm under your jacket or sweater,” Segura said.
Segura’s West Side neighborhood near Colorado Street is known for helping people in need.Segura said that the donor brought her items and she knew she would immediately use them for those who need them most.
“One of the donations received now is that we have received a lot of hats and gloves. These are also important, just to keep people warm. You will lose a lot of heat through the top of your head,” Segura said.
“A lot of times you will see people walking around with trash bags as ponchos. Anything that is lightweight and waterproof is useful,” Segura said.
Segura said that thoughtful donations are those that can be easily taken from one place to another.She said that thick blankets, pillows, or anything that might be soaked in water and cannot be moved easily is a burden.Segura said many people tried to carry personal belongings in plastic shopping bags that would fall apart.
“Any reusable bag is good for anyone who is homeless, so they can carry their belongings and not be everywhere,” Segura said.
Regarding food, Segura said that single servings are good.Segura says that canned foods with pull-tab openings are the most important because many people don’t have can openers.
“Then of course, anything that has snacks, anything that contains protein and carbohydrates, preferably protein. You burn a lot of calories in the cold. Even if you just sit there, you don’t know that you are consuming energy,” Segura said.
Regarding emergency communications, Segura said “I have five solar battery packs to charge my phone”, adding that when a power failure occurs, she relies on the phone as a lifeline.
“Some mobile apps are completely legal and allow you to listen to what is happening around you,” Segura said.”It’s real-time, and it will run on public information sites. This is important because some broadcasters are not local and are not up-to-date.”
Segura said that for the homeless who own a car, low-cost inverters can also be their lifeline.Segura said when demonstrating an inverter: “There are different types of power inverters, but if you don’t have a plug, this is the type you plug into the car. I know many people try to keep warm in the car.”
Segura said that even people with a family can benefit from tents and sleeping bags.Segura said that in February last year, many people had no electricity for several days during the big ice storm. She suggested that friends make a space indoors and set up tents.She said that it is easier to feel warm and comfortable in a confined space that limits body heat.
Another tip Segura said to keep her safe during storms is that anyone, whether homeless or not, can use it. This is a small rechargeable headlight with a solar charger and USB connection.
“Oh my goodness, the headlights are so important because you need to see them when there is no power. I ended up sleeping with the headlights for about five days because it prevents you from tripping in the dark,” Segura Say, and add that it is easy to make dangerous mistakes under cold pressure.
Segura said: “Candles can cause fires, and then you will feel cold and burns, and LEDs require very little power and can be charged very quickly.”
Segura says she is a thrifty shopper, looking for deals at local retailers to keep her donation supply unimpeded, but she says that online bulk ordering of goods is another good way to go further with charitable donations.
Post time: Jan-05-2022
