COLUMBUS, Ohio — The scorching temperatures we’re feeling right now are unbearable for anyone, especially for those experiencing homelessness.
What You Need To Know
- The Open Shelter offers services to people living on the streets and others in need
- The shelter provides clothing and other essentials like food, water and an air-conditioned spaced, which is crucial in the summer time
- It’s open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Open Shelter on Parsons Avenue is one of the many shelters across the state offering services to people living on the streets and others in need. It provides clothing and other essentials like food, water and an air-conditioned spaced, which is vital this time of year.
“In the wintertime, we can supply them with blankets. They can essentially burrow into their tent and not leave and stay warm. You don’t have that option when it’s hot. There is just not a lot of relief available, and water is so critically important when it’s this hot and the ability to come in and cool off and get water is, you know, probably saving lives,” said Sheli Mathias, director of The Open Shelter.
For people experiencing homelessness like Nikki Neal, the shelter helps= make summer days feel not so bad.
“Awe man, it’s awesome,” Neal said. “They just help so much. They’re for you. They’re for the people.”
The Open Shelter says they won’t turn anyone away. It’s open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.