STROUDSBURG, Pa. — The cots are lined up inside the basement of Stroudsburg Wesleyn Church in Stroudsburg awaiting those facing homelessness who need a place to spend the night.
"Some of the same people we've had over the years and a bunch of new people. We've had a bunch of new people. Some of the other people got housing or moved out of the area," said shelter manager Peter Mankin.
The shelter is open from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day of the week.
Mankin says right now the shelter is averaging about 30 guests a night. Similar to the start of the season last year.
"It's starting out where we are getting 20 plus men a night and about ten women," said Mankin.
But during peak winter times, that number more than doubles.
"We want to provide not just a shelter but a nice, safe, warm space where they can come and get encouragement and have someone to talk to," said Mankin.
With temperatures expected to dip below freezing this week, shelter managers say they expect to see more people come through these doors.
"We have an excess room that we set up when we run out of beds; we usually put at the end of last year we put about 18 cots in, but if we run out of that room because we don't turn anyone away," Manekin said.
The shelter is open through March 31st for anyone in need.
Staff say the shelter is always in need of donations like thermal wear, gloves, hygiene items and food.
Those interested in making a donation can contact the church office at (570) 421-0750.