Out of the Cold is serving more people than ever. Donations, solutions sought amid COVID-19 outbreak
Out of the Cold: Centre County secured hotel rooms for 34 guests last week, but area nonprofits, county government and the State College borough are planning for what comes next.
With financial help from the State College and Centre County Government, OOTC3 Program Manager Sarah Potter said 34 members of the area’s homeless population will be staying in hotel rooms around State College through the end of April. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Potter said this will ensure safe and secure housing, but an online fundraiser set to begin this month aims to address future insecurities.
“The real issue is that guests need permanent housing solutions,” Potter said.
OOTC3’s overnight shelter operates out of 14 congregations from mid-October to early May, but with social distancing recommendations to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, cots set up in church basements were no longer possible.
In addition to those who are now staying in three local hotels, Potter said more than 20 people have contacted OOTC3, asking for assistance. In a plea for community support — posted on OOTC3’s Facebook Wednesday — the nonprofit said it is serving the highest number of guests ever.
“In 48 hours alone, we were notified of 21 other community members facing homelessness,” the plea said. “We haven’t been able to support all of these additional guests, but we long to find solutions for them. Housing insecurity is on the rise in our community.”
Potter said she hasn’t been able to help everyone who has reached out, and she anticipates the need will continue to grow as people’s finances become tighter.
The hotel stays cost $5,000 per week, but by the end of April, OOTC3 hopes to raise $40,000 to use for extended hotel stays, deposits and rent for guests to use for permanent housing.
The OOTC3 day shelter at the Meetinghouse on Atherton is still operating and providing free lunches from area churches and restaurants.
“We’ve been really blessed with resources,” Potter said.
Due to COVID-19 and the statewide shutdown, Potter said guests have limited access to resources, medical treatment and employment.
“They’re having their appointments canceled. Transportation that they depend on for regular doctor appointments have been altered,” she said. “About all of us have technology at home to do tele-appointments, but we don’t have that luxury for our guests.”
Some guests use taxis to travel, and others have lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
The OOTC3 shelter season for overnight stays is scheduled to end on May 4.
“What this means is that the guest will no longer have a place to sleep within our program any longer and will be back outdoors,” OOTC3 said on Facebook. “During this season of ‘sheltering in place,’ we need to be reminded the local park, vehicles and public benches are not suitable once our season ends.”
Monetary donations to OOTC3 can be made online, and the shelter is accepting drop-offs at its 318 S. Atherton St. location.
On Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey announced that Pennsylvania will receive $170.65 million in funding from Community Development Block grants and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs as a result of the coronavirus relief legislation.
State College will receive almost $400,000 of those funds through the CARES Act.
Borough staff said they are evaluating potential ways to use the funds to address short and long-term needs within the community.
“To prepare a spending plan proposal, staff of the borough’s planning department are studying temporary emergency housing methods being used around the country, particularly in the northwest states that are a month ahead of us in responding to the COVID-19 environment, consulting with the housing and human service agencies serving our community and reviewing the CARES Act legislation and regulations coming from HUD on permitted uses and regulations for proper expenditure of funds,” the borough said in a statement.
Potter said OOTC3 will meet virtually on Friday with the county and area shelters and nonprofits to discuss fundraising plans.
This story was originally published April 1, 2020 at 3:46 PM.
