Louisville outreach groups hit the streets to help homeless survive extreme cold

WLKY 32 , LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

Dangerously cold temperatures are leaving Louisville’s homeless population exposed to the elements.

When the temperature or wind chill goes below 35 degrees, “Operation White Flag” kicks in at participating shelters.

Unfortunately, not every homeless person can, or will, go to a shelter.

That’s why outreach groups are hitting the streets.

For those living in tents or sleeping bags, bitterly cold weather can be a health risk, and potentially deadly.

On Tuesday afternoon, WLKY News rode along with one street outreach group to see how they’re bringing warmth to the community.

Our first stop was at a homeless camp behind a building in southern Indiana.

We came here with Paul Stensrud, founder of Jesus Cares at Exit 0, a faith-based organization that helps the area’s homeless.

For 16 years, Stensrud has spent his winters offering an array of services to people without a permanent home.

Stensrud drives a large truck containing sleeping bags, blankets, tents, food, hygiene items and even Sterno cans to keep tents warm in sub-freezing temperatures.

“We give them a shot of hot chocolate, coffee, some Ramen noodles, just to warm their bodies,” Stensrud said

For two men in Jeffersonville, the hand warmers, blankets and hot chocolate given to them by Stensrud and an assistant were much needed.

The arctic chill blanketing the area is making outdoor survival a challenge.

“That’s the main focus is hypothermia, frostbite, making sure they’re getting the proper medical care. If we need to warm them up, we can put them inside the truck to warm them up. We can provide medical care as well,” Stensrud said.

One thing street outreach groups can’t do is force anyone into a shelter, no matter how badly they might need it.

At our next stop in downtown Louisville, we met a group living on the street with a dog.

Because most shelters don’t allow animals, they chose to remain on the sidewalk in tents rather than abandon their pet.

A difficult choice in difficult conditions.

But again, it was Exit 0 to the rescue, providing food for the dog and it’s owners.

“This is probably their only hot meal that they had today. We just want to come out and check on them. They know the routine. We’re here to love on them and provide hope,” said Stenrud.

During his outreach Tuesday, Stensrud was able to convince seven people come in off the street and into a shelter for the night.

That’s in addition to serving 125 hot meals since Saturday.

The coalition for the homeless put together a “winter donation needs” to help Louisvillian residents meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness by giving the right item to the right team at the right time.

Visit here for more info or to donate directly to Exit 0 here.