STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — It has been a mild November, but this week’s overnight temperatures are leaving those experiencing homelessness out in the cold with few shelters to turn to.
The front lights are always on at the Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church on North Fifth Street.
But during the colder months, its side door is also lit and a welcome sign is out, serving those in need as its cold-weather homeless shelter.
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“They can come and be warm. Have a dinner, take showers, do laundry, but it was really supposed to be just a stopping point for them to be able to move on and do what they need to do so they can get back on track in their life,” said Peter Mankin, manager, Wesleyan Inn Cold Weather Shelter.
The adult shelter, also known as the Wesleyan Inn, has been operating for 13 years from the months of November to March, offering 42 beds, a washer and dryer, bathrooms, and a kitchen.
Despite the mild November temperatures we’ve seen so far, Mankin says they’re still averaging 30 guests a night and expect that number to rise as nights get colder.
“We don’t turn people away. We’ve had some nights where we set cots up in the hallway. We’ll do whatever we can to accommodate whoever we need to,” said Mankin.
Those cots fill an overflow room, a vision of hope for those looking to get out of the elements.
Last year the shelter saw double the number of overnight guests from years prior, mankin says he believes inflation is a key factor.
“People that never thought they’d be in this position, are finding themselves in this position. Covid had a big part in it, Covid you know destroyed a lot of things, a lot of jobs, a lot of businesses and people found themselves in predicaments they never thought they would. And you know what, just some bad luck,” said Mankin.
Bad luck that donations from the community and shelter volunteers work to turn around, offering encouragement and resources to get back on their feet.
“You never know, you just got to keep on loving on them. Love them and take the journey with them,” said Mankin.
The Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church’s cold-weather homeless shelter is asking for donations of long thermal underwear, sweats, and long socks from sizes medium to 3xl.You can drop off any donations at the church office on North Fifth Street.
