As temperatures fall below double-digits again this weekend, there are options for the Kenai Peninsula’s homeless to find assistance.
Love In the Name of Christ of the Kenai Peninsula, also known as Love INC, is an inter-denominational Christian organization that works with churches and agencies in the area to provide assistance to residents in-need. They network with over 80 churches on the Peninsula to provide information and direction to residents in-need, be it directions to a local food bank or clothes available in a church closet.
Love INC Intake Specialist, Allison Bushnell, on some of the services they offer: “We offer showers, laundry facilities, hygiene essentials. We can get them winter gear, hand warmers, we have emergency blankets we can offer people. We do have a grant, the Homeless Assistance Program Grant that allows us to assist people who are homeless with helping them obtain identification and overcome some of the barriers they have. Sometimes we’re able to help people obtain housing, but they do have to qualify under the grant, and they have to have income to do so. We work with them to try to overcome those barriers and get them into housing.”
While Love INC is often able to help with some immediate needs, Ms. Bushnell says the more difficult path to take is finding emergency lodging as conditions worsen: “It’s very rare when we’re able to offer emergency lodging due to funding, but that’s why we’re working really hard with the churches. We’re working hard on trying to get a cold weather plan started so that we do have a shelter available once it reaches that certain temperature because we recognize that we need that in our community. So, we’re working really closely on trying to get that going. Shelter-wise, there’s the Friendship Mission for Men who are 21-and-older and able to work. There is the LeeShore Center that is only for women who have been through domestic violence. For emergency shelter, that’s pretty much it.”
Those interested in utilizing the services of Love INC are advised to go into their office at 44410 Kalifornsky Beach Rd, or call 262-5140. For folks who wish to help Love INC, they ask for contributions, volunteers, and prayer. Visit their website for a more comprehensive list of ways to help.
To further help with the needs of the area homeless population, Project Homeless Connect be held at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex on Wednesday, January 29. The 8th annual Project Homeless Connect, is a one-day event under one roof to offer homeless or near-homeless residents the basic services they need, such as meals, massages, haircuts, job services, and basic health care.