Community-aid programs in Hutchinson gearing up for winter
As temperatures drop, the needs at homeless shelters and services rise. Shelter, food and clothing are crucial ingredients for the homeless.
In Hutchinson, The Salvation Army and New Beginnings provide emergency services with the aid of the community.
Due to last year's struggles with COVID-19, more families in Hutchinson are utilizing community assistance services. According to New Beginnings and the Salvation Army, the need for community resources has more than doubled.
New Beginnings and Noel Lodge
New Beginnings serves the Hutchinson community with emergency lodging at Noel Lodge every day of the year and transitional housing, job services and life coaching. Each winter, the organization works with local community partners like the United Way of Reno County, local businesses and the Salvation Army to provide winter and holiday necessities to those in need of assistance.
President and CEO of New Beginnings, Shara Gonzales, said the organization prepares for winter temperatures by connecting people with warm clothing and winterizing their 150 properties in Hutchinson.
"Our jobs program is the same if they need whatever work clothes for winter we provide so they can continue going to work," Gonzales said.
This year, Noel Lodge will open earlier and close later as temperatures continue to drop, providing more time in a warm space for those seeking aid.
According to Gonzales, this year and last year, state and federal laws required the Noel Lodge to decrease its capacity to 16 beds in their emergency shelter. So this year, they expanded by moving individuals and families into transitional housing, where 55 beds are now available.
Transitional housing is available for people requiring shelter for more than one or two nights; they can arrange this with New Beginnings by contacting them at 400 W. Second Ave, Hutchinson, or by phone, (620) 663-2200.
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The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army in Hutchinson partners with the United Way of Reno County and churches to gather winter necessities and holiday essentials; this includes winter clothing, food baskets and gift cards. According to Paul James, a major in the Salvation Army corps, Hutchinson's Salvation Army is in need now more than ever.
Each year, the Salvation Army in Hutchinson aids more than 500 families and individuals with winter clothing, connections to resources and holiday expenses. Last year, more than 1,000 children received toys for Christmas, and more than 800 families received Christmas baskets filled with food to celebrate the holiday.
According to James, last year the nonprofit had many families in need due to the pandemic and masses of people losing their jobs. This year, he said, seems to be on the same track.
"Some people are still fighting through the after-effects of COVID. With the lack of materials and suppliers, many companies have had to furlough their employees again just because they don't have the materials to manufacture different things," James said. "There are people that are still saying, 'it's not over for me.'"
The Salvation Army recently began distributing newly-donated coats.
"We're still here to bring hope to people that are in need," James said.
Information on services
People can find the Salvation Army's services by visiting their website or by calling (620) 663-3353 to talk about specific needs for every individual. Individuals seeking to donate to the organization can contact the Salvation Army as well.
New Beginnings' Noel Lodge is open every day of the year, with regular hours spanning 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., providing dinner and breakfast to attendees. People can find New Beginnings information by telephone at (620) 663-2200 or their website.
This article originally appeared on The Hutchinson News: Hutchinson's programs for homeless, needy get ready for winter
