Winter Can Be Deadly for Unhoused Individuals. Here’s How We Help

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, people experiencing homelessness are nearly 40 times more likely to die from cold exposure compared to the general population. With winter nearly here, The Night Ministry is gearing up to help our unhoused neighbors survive another season of snow and cold temperatures.

"Inclement weather poses life-threatening risks for unhoused individuals, including hypothermia, frostbite, and other serious cold-related injuries affecting the extremities and face," says Derek Ma, Nurse Practitioner at The Night Ministry.

"Repeated cold exposure can also worsen chronic health issues like heart and lung disease, weaken the immune system, and increase vulnerability to infections and chronic pain," Ma says.

The Night Ministry helps clients connect with housing throughout the year, which is critical for keeping individuals healthy and alive year-round. During inclement weather, staff help those who are unhoused stay as safe as possible. While performing well-being checks, outreach staff look for signs of cold-related health conditions, offer education on preventing such injuries, and encourage clients to access warming centers and emergency shelters. In cases of severe illness, arrangements are made to transport clients to hospitals for further treatment.

In addition, The Night Ministry provides clothing and other material resources to help clients protect themselves from the cold. Between January and March of this year, staff distributed 345 winter coats, 310 blankets, 7,200 pairs of socks, and 86 tents.

As The Night Ministry's Health Outreach Services Manager, Juan Roca has seen how those resources make a difference. On a snowy night last January, he encountered a client at the CTA Forest Park Blue Line stop who was in immediate danger of developing cold-related health conditions.

"He was completely wet, and he was shaking," Roca recalls, "and we were able to give him dry clothing, including a winter coat, boots, and socks. Can you imagine what would have happened if we didn't have those items for him? He would have spent the entire night in wet clothing without protection from the elements." 

Here's How You Can Help

You can provide relief for our unhoused neighbors during the winter with donations of the following: 

• Adult Winter Hats
• Adult Warm Gloves
• New Adult Hoodies (size large & above, dark colors preferred)
• Adult Long Underwear Sets (size large & above)
• Adult Size Socks (athletic or winter socks)
• Hand & Foot Warmers
• Tents & Sleeping Bags
  
  

A financial gift enables us to allocate your support to the areas most needed this winter. To donate, visit www.thenighministry.org/donate.

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