As the days begin to get colder, it's a reminder that winter is right around the corner, and Michigan winters in particular are known for their harsh temperatures. Even before winter hits, temperatures can drop much lower at night and put homeless individuals at risk.
According to the National Weather Service, even 40°F temperatures can feel below freezing with winds as low as 20 MPH. Taking into account the fact that a good deal of homeless individuals are situated within urban areas that have increased wind speeds between the buildings, it's easy for winds to create bitter temperatures when the actual air temperature is what most would only consider to be a bit chilly. Spending long periods of time in these temperatures — such as by sleeping on the streets — also increases the risk of hypothermia. The Mayo Clinic defines hypothermia as "a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature" characterized by shivering, drowsiness, confusion, a weak pulse, and slow, shallow breathing (among other symptoms) and notes that homelessness is a considerable risk factor.
Although the best way to combat the risk of exposure is to have shelter (especially at nighttime), that's unfortunately not always an option for everyone because of any number of factors. When that's not an option, having access to weather-appropriate clothing is crucial.
For Wayne State University students who may be in need of a coat for the rapidly approaching winter season, the HIGH Program has a limited number of coats for donation. The sizes that we have are listed below, and will be updated periodically to appropriately reflect what is still available.
As of October 17, 2018, the HIGH Program has coats in the following sizes:
According to the National Weather Service, even 40°F temperatures can feel below freezing with winds as low as 20 MPH. Taking into account the fact that a good deal of homeless individuals are situated within urban areas that have increased wind speeds between the buildings, it's easy for winds to create bitter temperatures when the actual air temperature is what most would only consider to be a bit chilly. Spending long periods of time in these temperatures — such as by sleeping on the streets — also increases the risk of hypothermia. The Mayo Clinic defines hypothermia as "a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature" characterized by shivering, drowsiness, confusion, a weak pulse, and slow, shallow breathing (among other symptoms) and notes that homelessness is a considerable risk factor.
Although the best way to combat the risk of exposure is to have shelter (especially at nighttime), that's unfortunately not always an option for everyone because of any number of factors. When that's not an option, having access to weather-appropriate clothing is crucial.
For Wayne State University students who may be in need of a coat for the rapidly approaching winter season, the HIGH Program has a limited number of coats for donation. The sizes that we have are listed below, and will be updated periodically to appropriately reflect what is still available.
As of October 17, 2018, the HIGH Program has coats in the following sizes:
Small: 2
Medium: 2
Large: 2
X-Large: 1
XX-Large: 1
If you or a Wayne State student you know are in need of a winter coat, we can be reached at (313) 577-9933 or at WSUHIGHProgram@wayne.edu.
For non-students who may need help, organizations such as the Capuchin Soup Kitchen offer clothing assistance and may be able to help; thrift shops such as Goodwill will often have coats in good condition for very low prices.
If you aren't in need of a coat and are able to help, there are options. One way to help is by making a financial donation to the HIGH Program so that we can help assist struggling students in getting out of the cold; if a financial donation isn't feasible, organizations like Goodwill are always accepting donations and you can use the interactive map at OneWarmCoat to find coat drives in or around your area.
Though the goal is getting anyone who may be struggling with homelessness reliable housing, it's a lengthy process. In the meantime, let's help provide the necessities that we can to help keep everyone safely warm in the cold!
"If I can not do great things, I can do small things in a great way." — Martin Luther King Jr.
Comments
Post a Comment