BEDFORD – The Men’s Warming Shelter at 1414 H Street is now open and offers homeless men a safe, welcoming, and warm place to sleep so that no man freezes to death on the streets and roads of Lawrence County.
The Men’s Warming Shelter first opened on January 2, 2014, following the tragic death of a homeless man in Bedford.
Men needing shelter can check-in at the new location at 5 p.m. and check out at 9 a.m.
The Homeless Assessment Report says 5,625 individuals were homeless in Indiana as of January 2020. Indiana experienced a 2.8 percent increase in homelessness over 2019 levels compared to a nationwide increase of 2.2 percent. Sadly 17 percent of these homeless individuals. were classified unsheltered, meaning they lived on the street or in abandoned buildings.
Homelessness is not just a big city problem. It affects Bedford and Lawrence County as evidenced by the clients utilizing the Men’s Warming Shelter and Becky’s Place.
Utilization of the Men’s Warming Shelter has increased dramatically over the past 5 years. During the 2017-2021 winter seasons, 206 homeless clients were served, totaling 4,395 overnight stays. Nationwide statistics indicate men represent 70 percent of homeless individuals.
Currently, 10 churches and other volunteers take turns providing meals for the men.
Donations are critical to the shelter’s operation. Currently, the shelter is in need of gas cards. Several of their residents have found employment but now need a way to get to their jobs.
Other needs include:
- 16oz plastic cups
- Heavy duty paper plates
- Cleaning wipes
- Coffee
- Large (50-55) gallon trash bags
- Regular trash bags
- Bottled water
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Men’s deodorant
- A 12-cup coffee pot
- Adhesive hooks
- Hanging paper towel holders
- Plastic shoeboxes
Donations can be brought in after 5 p.m. daily.
You can also mail a check to:
SARAH/Men’s Warming Shelter
P. O. Box 430
Bedford, IN 47421
Stone City Alliance for Recovery and Hope, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable, not-for-profit organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. In accordance with IRS regulations, no goods or services have been exchanged in conjunction with this donation.
The shelter has numerous volunteer opportunities (guest check-in, food preparation, clothing organization, laundry, haircuts, entertainment for guests (games, music), budgeting training, clerical, etc.). If you are interested in becoming a Shelter volunteer, contact volunteer@bedfordmenswarmingshelter.org for more information.
