Blog

Winter weather shelter opens in Mobile County | WPMI

MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — At Theodore Church of God, the cots are set up, hot meals are being cooked and clothes are being handed out to those in need.

"So many churches, so many people, the community has been amazing. Last night we had over 80 volunteers coming up, getting set up. It is just amazing what's happening," said Port City Samaritans cofounder John Kozlinski. Outdoor Dining Table

Winter weather shelter opens in Mobile County | WPMI

Port City Samaritans along with many community partners organized the winter weather shelter located at 6360 Theodore Dawes Road.

"If you're going to see a homeless person this week, I would beg you to ask them to come inside. It's going to be dangerously cold for them," said Port City Samaritans cofounder Eric Overstreet.

They're providing far more than just a roof over people's head and heat.

"If all we do is keep them warm, I think we have we would have failed," said Kozlinski.

Volunteers will be helping people get IDs. There's free haircuts, healthcare, mental health help and drug and alcohol addiction recovery resources available.

"We're going to help them potentially look for work, for training, provide the resources to be able to help them. We're not giving out. We're just giving a hand up, and that's a huge difference. So there is a misconception amongst society. We're here to show you that it's not true that there are people that are worth your time and your effort to make a difference," said Kozlinski.

Donations are making it all possible. Not only for the shelter but also for those with pets who need shelter. Overstreet says they raised $3,000 for homeless people with pets to stay in hotels. Overstreet says they're doing all they can to get homeless people shelter and worry what will happen to those who are left outside.

"We want them to come inside. We don't want anybody to die," said Overstreet.

Winter weather shelter opens in Mobile County | WPMI

Outdoor Chair There's also a shuttle that will take you there. It leaves from the Tilman's Corner Walmart at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. and leaves Cathedral Square in downtown Mobile at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m.