SPRINGFIELD (WGGB) -At the “Friends of the Homeless” shelter, the recent death of a homeless woman was a reminder to people how important it can be to take advantage of a place to stay, food to eat and good company.

“You just never know what’s going to happen.  To have that happen, it makes you grateful for the things you do have because in a snap of a finger, it can end,” said guest of the “Friends of the Homeless” shelter, Kelly Lesnick.

“It’s awful.  It’s the reason we’re here- is to see that that kind of thing doesn’t happen,” said executive director of the shelter, Bill Miller.

The “Friends of the Homeless” shelter houses an average of 150 homeless persons every night.  It provides education, employment help, medical attention, food, clothing and more.  But according to Sgt. John Delaney,even though there are lots of helpful services, some do refuse the help.

“A lot of the times, people are homeless, people are drug dependant,” he said.

Police officers and outreach workers stop by regularly at popular homeless hangout spots to ensure people are safe.  They offer food and clothing to those who want it and encourage people to visit the shelter.

“There’s people that go around with food to give them to keep them going so they’re not left out there by themselves to battle the elements,” said Sgt. Delaney.

Staying warm was one of the struggles Lesnick remembers from when she had to sleep on the streets in another part of the state.

“It was cold, it’s helplessness, hopelessness.  It’s hard to pull yourself together,” she said.

Now, at the shelter, Lesnick said she appreciates the services provided to help her find a job and stay away from drugs and other trouble.

 

If you would like to make a donation or volunteer for the “Friends of the Homeless” shelter, visit www.fohspringfield.org