As a result of my curiosity, I spent the morning asking the question, are we ready to help those living on the streets and in substandard housing to survive this winter freeze?
I visited with Cindy Maness, Executive Director of Center of Life. She stated that the Center of Life is prepared. As an example, she pulled out a bag filled with foot and hand warmers that they hand out to the homeless and those living in homes with little or no heat. They give out sleeping bags, warm clothing, blankets, and even, on rare occasions, tents.
Cindy told me that she did not sleep well a couple of nights ago because “some of my homeless guys who are truly out in the cold made me worry.” She said to herself, “I’m just going to make a decision; I’m going to put them in a hotel room for a week because they will not survive.” She said, “I fretted because I’ve got to tell the board what I did. I had to put 4 people in rooms, one of them was a couple. That’s $770.00.” I said to myself, “Okay, I’ve got to tell them how I spent this money. Yesterday, a woman emailed me $1000 from Flower Mound, Texas, and I don’t know who this lady is.” She went on to comment, “I was fretting, and God said, ‘I sent you a thousand dollars.’ I said, ‘thank you to God.’”
Mineral Wells Center of Life is offering a warming station. The station will provide warm oatmeal, snacks, and soup. Those who come in can rest, warm-up, or watch a movie on TV. Cindy stated that they are not certified to have beds in a warming station, but still, people can rest.
The Center of Life has also increased its amount of food through its food distribution for added calories and nutrition. If you want to help the Center, they can use financial and food contributions.
I also spoke with Jim Rhodes at New Haven Ministries and New Haven Family Center. Jim stated that he has run this ministry for over 35 years and is well prepared to help those who have needs concerning facing this freeze. He said that, to the best of his knowledge, New Haven has room for one more family unit at the Fort Walter’s facility. New Haven Ministries has also increased the quantity of food that it distributes. Jim stated, “we try to reserve some room during times like this so that if a pipe were to bust or some other crisis, we could move the family in, they can continue working their jobs and supporting their family until the problem can be resolved.
Jim stated, “we also distribute food in many of the small towns in our county through our food distribution points.” As far as the distribution center located on SW 3rd Street, Jim has a program called “Daily Bread” where “we hand out produce, fresh vegetables and fruits, chicken, meat and, of course, bread and pastries.”
Two other services are offered in the area to help those in need to make it through this winter storm. They include 1) a “take one as you need it” coat rack located in front of Fresh and Fruity Bouquets and Bakery at 313 N Oak Avenue and 2) our local Police Department keeps blankets in their vehicles, which they offer to those on the street who refuse to seek shelter. The coat rack also accepts donations of warm coats. All you need to do is put your coat on a hanger and place it on the rack.
To receive help from the Center of Life, call (940) 327-8700. For New Haven, call (940) 452-1784. In general, for help finding services, call the Mineral Wells Police Department at (940) 328-7770.
God bless all of you. Stay safe and warm.
Tommy Pophin
*Click here to read some helpful tips from the Mayor of Mineral Wells
Journalist | I’m a Hospice Chaplain with a Master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I love interacting with people and am more interested in knowing their story than in them knowing mine. I love promoting the Mineral Wells/Palo Pinto County area where I live through writing and advertising.
