By Diana McFarland

Managing editor

The most vulnerable in the community have been also been struggling with the snow and extreme cold.

Anthony Robinette, who runs the Mission of Hope shelter, said he’s had up to 15 individuals stay overnight at one time so far this season. So far, the shelter has seen about 20 different individuals, with some repeaters, he said.

“It’s been a busier year than we’ve ever had,” he said, adding that he’s also put up families in the Econo Lodge in Carrollton.

With the very cold temperatures, Robinette has kept the shelter open during the day too. Typically it is open from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. {mprestriction ids=”1,2,3,4,5,6″}

Christian Outreach President Barbara Stafford said her organization has received more requests for help this year, especially for food, blankets and space heaters.

The severe cold is also wearing on their clients’ outlook on life, she said, adding that money has been released for heating assistance, so COP is able to now provide help there.

Robinette said he’s received a good deal of support in the community, and Harrison Mechanical repaired the facility’s heating system for free.

Mission of Hope recently moved to a permanent location at 13390 Great Spring Road in the former Great Spring Church of the Nazarene. Prior to that, the shelter moved weekly from one church or organization to another through the season. The shelter is open during the winter months.

However, Mission of Hope is in need of all types of paper products, such as toilet paper and paper towels, as well as coffee and canned soda, said Robinette.

The coffee goes quick and the sodas are used to go in the bag lunches, he said.  {/mprestriction}