LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As Louisville sees dangerously low temperatures, two organizations are teaming up to protect the city's most vulnerable population.
Goodwill Industries and the Hope Village are hosting an emergency shelter this week. On Monday, volunteers picked up their first group of people needing to escape the cold.
From there, volunteers headed straight to the Kentucky Exposition Center where the work began.
"It's all about love and giving back to the community," volunteer, Desmond Mackiver said "Giving them a feeling of hope and joy in the their system."
Mackiver helped picked up more than 20 people Monday. He said each person was given food and resources. Then the opportunity to earn $50 by helping the next person.
"This one little task will motivate them to do better," Mackiver said. It also gives them another reason to keep going.
"Every time I'm able to help it makes me feel a lot better. Cause I don't want to see nobody in that position because I've been there," Krista Tucker said, fighting back tears as she spoke about the years she lived on the street.
Now, she said she's in search for employment. In the meantime, she plans to work for Goodwill's Another Way program bringing people to the pop up shelter at Coleman Preparatory Academy in the California neighborhood.
While inside, Hope Village founder Stachelle Bussey said groups can rest over night. They'll also get the chance to commune and eat. Then take advantage of donations, which Bussey says they use more of.
"Any kind of hygiene products, snacks, and coffee, and hot chocolate, and all those good things to make sure people are as comfortable as can be for the next few days."
The pop up shelter will remain open for the week of January 15.
If you would like to donate, you can drop off your donations at 212 East College St. or 1039 South 16th Street.
Here's what items they need:
- Blankets
- Hand warmers
- Coffee/hot chocolate
- Soda/water
- Pillows
- Hoodies/sweaters/coats
- Snacks
- Sandwich items
- Towels and rags
- Hygiene products
- Socks
- Coats/gloves/hats
- T-shirts
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