“We have found that in the past, people have died during these extreme weather events,” said Susana Segura, Bread and Blankets Mutual Aid.
Bread and Blankets Mutual Aid is an organization that has boots on the ground, and their work is critical right now, making sure people with no roofs over their heads stay warm. Their work could potentially save lives.
“We have found that in the past, people have died during these extreme weather events,” said Susana Segura, Bread and Blankets Mutual Aid.
Segura says it’s an urgent call to action. Over the past two weeks, Susana has been doubling up efforts giving homeless people extra layers of clothes, to keep warm during the cold snap.
“We’re focusing all of our efforts on collecting hoodies, jackets, scarves, hats, gloves, extra socks, anything that’ll help keep people warm. Blankets, even towels are useful,” said Segura.
Year round, Segura’s organization drives around neighborhoods in the 78207 zip code, on the west side. They handout food, water and clothes, but temperatures predicted to drop below freezing right now, the organizations work is critical.
“Their body temperature drops too low, their heart can stop. If they’re breathing too slow, their oxygen levels can drop and their hearts can stop,” said Segura.
Some homeless people living in camps, according to Susana, have had all their clothes, blankets and personal items taken away and thrown out.
“The city is quickly abating homeless camps now, so we had a couple show up on Wednesday and their things had been taken that morning,” said Segura.
Segura says now is the time for everyone to show compassion, and extend a little bit of grace and mercy to your neighbors.
“Some of us have several homeless people that live in the neighborhood. You know where they’re at. If you go get your coffee every morning, and they’re outside of the gas station opening the door for you, offer them your extra blanket, offer them an extra hoodie, offer them a hat, gloves,” said Segura.
One of the critical items, Bread and Blankets Mutual Aid could use right now besides clothes and blankets, are handwarmers. The handwarmers can be bought at Academy, Walmart or their Amazon Wishlist.
If you would like to help Bread and Blankets Mutual Aid, they are accepting donations, and can even pick them up. If you would like to contact Bread and Blankets Mutual Aid, you can click here or call them at 210-322-2998.
You can also follow them and contact them on Facebook, by clicking here.