1 year ago
25
Walk up to the entrance of Firehouse Ministries and you're greeted with a sign, inviting everyone to come inside and take a break from the heat."The heat can cause dehydration, which can cause just a lot of mental pain," Firehouse Ministries medical social worker Abby Poole explains. "So, we have opened our shelter up as a cooling station."With it being so hot outside, it's really tough for anybody to be able to stand it for more than a few minutes at a time. That's why Firehouse Ministries on 2nd Avenue North in Birmingham is extending the services offered to others. "The staff, a lot of them, have been where these guys are," Firehouse Ministries executive director Nicole Boomhover points out. "So, they are exceptionally aware of their needs and their most basic challenges. So, that puts us in a real desirable place."One of the more popular activities visitors can enjoy while escaping the heat is art work. The organization also provides people with water, clothing and other essentials for when they head back out into the community. Since it's so hot, the shelter is allowing people to remain inside 24-7, instead of just during certain hours. "It's an amazing feeling to know that these guys are getting a place to be," Poole adds "They're getting services. They are literally getting access to every single thing they need to meet their basic needs."There is always a need for donations as supplies go quickly, especially bottled water."Living on the street is hard," Boomhover says. "Living outside is hard. And it takes a toll on the body and the mind and the soul."Volunteer opportunities are also available as Firehouse Ministries serves four meals a day.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —
Walk up to the entrance of Firehouse Ministries and you're greeted with a sign, inviting everyone to come inside and take a break from the heat.
"The heat can cause dehydration, which can cause just a lot of mental pain," Firehouse Ministries medical social worker Abby Poole explains. "So, we have opened our shelter up as a cooling station."
With it being so hot outside, it's really tough for anybody to be able to stand it for more than a few minutes at a time. That's why Firehouse Ministries on 2nd Avenue North in Birmingham is extending the services offered to others.
"The staff, a lot of them, have been where these guys are," Firehouse Ministries executive director Nicole Boomhover points out. "So, they are exceptionally aware of their needs and their most basic challenges. So, that puts us in a real desirable place."
One of the more popular activities visitors can enjoy while escaping the heat is art work. The organization also provides people with water, clothing and other essentials for when they head back out into the community. Since it's so hot, the shelter is allowing people to remain inside 24-7, instead of just during certain hours.
"It's an amazing feeling to know that these guys are getting a place to be," Poole adds "They're getting services. They are literally getting access to every single thing they need to meet their basic needs."
There is always a need for donations as supplies go quickly, especially bottled water.
"Living on the street is hard," Boomhover says. "Living outside is hard. And it takes a toll on the body and the mind and the soul."
Volunteer opportunities are also available as Firehouse Ministries serves four meals a day.
English (US)