CARBON COUNTY, Pa. — As freezing temperatures take hold of many communities across northeastern and central Pennsylvania this week, community members in Carbon County are looking to help those who have nowhere else to go.
"We had three people that stayed overnight here. We had some others that came in for meals. We are expecting a lot more as the word gets out and as it gets colder," said Esther Meier, President of St. Vincent Depaul Society of Saints Peter and Paul of Lehighton.
St. Peter's Community Resource Center along Main Road near Weissport donated the use of its basement.
Volunteers like Esther Meier spent the last few days filling it with food, cots, and other necessities. All to help the homeless escape the cold.
"Everybody needs shelter. It's sad enough that there's homeless that have to live out in the woods, but when it's so cold, you know it's even more heartbreaking," said Meier.
Organizers say this is the first cold shelter of its kind in the greater Lehighton area, something the homeless community here appreciates.
"Providing us with food, water, supplies to sleep with cots pretty much. A helping hand," said Aliza Vega, Lehighton.
Aliza Vega says she has been living in a nearby homeless camp for about three years.
While she's braved the cold weather before, a place with warm food and blankets makes it a bit easier.
"Out in the backwoods back there there's not many cots or anything. Obviously, you have to have your own tent I mean it's beautiful to have something like this," said Vega.
Organizers say they are always looking for more volunteers.
The shelter will remain open until January 22.