With temperatures in the area not expected to get above 30 for the next week, many are dealing with lack of heat or even a place to stay. There are several agencies in Milford who are working to address the needs of those who are homeless or cannot afford to keep their homes warm when the weather turns this cold.
Code Purple through Love Inc. offers shelter for men and women with shelters open every night from December 1 through March 15. The shelters are 100 percent volunteer operated and last year served around 275 homeless, from the elderly to families and more. The men’s shelter is at Avenue United Methodist Church while women are housed at the Milford Church of the Nazarene.
Volunteers are needed and registration can be found online.
For those who have a home but are struggling to cover the cost of heat, Catholic Charities offers assistance for heating bills from December through March. The City of Milford also offers resources for residential utility customers. Crisis assistance is available year-round from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program as well.
The Food Bank of Delaware can provide assistance with food for those who are struggling. There is also a food pantry at St. John the Apostle, Milford Church of God, Jesus Love Temple House of David and Avenue United Methodist Church. Milford Advocacy for the Homeless has a comprehensive list of food pantries in the area.
Meals on Wheels can also provide “blizzard boxes” designed to sustain a household through storms and frigid weather as well.
For many, an animal acts as a companion for them and even if they fall on hard times, they still need their four-legged family member taken care of. Humane Animal Partners offers free food at 18675 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth. The First State Animal Center & SPCA, located at 32 Shelter Circle in Camden also has a pet food pantry.
Donations are welcome at Humane Animal Partners and the First State Animal Shelter.
