Hello everyone it has been a while sense I blogged about any one or anything lately but with cold temperatures dropping here in Shreveport Louisiana I thought I would give some hope here for those that are homeless living on the streets.
I have cheeked back into the Salvation Army The Miracle Mile Center of Hope Social Services and Shelter for the winter, So I am ok now and not freezing!
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| Photo from 2015 |
and Yes I plan on Bell-ringing for them again this year! My Goal will be to reach $10,000 this year for the Salvation Army this year during this Holiday Bell Ringing Season.
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| Earl C Hedges Jr Ringing the Bell in front of Sam's Club 7400 Youree Dr, Shreveport, LA 71105 last year in 2018 |
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| Earl C Hedges Jr Ringing the Bell in front of Sam's Club 7400 Youree Dr, Shreveport, LA 71105 last year in 2018 |
Cold weather dangers
Those living outside in freezing temperatures, even by choice, face significant dangers.
Dr. Alok Pant, an assistant professor of internal medicine at the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, said the human body has defenses to counter the effects of short-term cold. Prolonged exposure, however, will cause severe problems.
Chilblains occur when small blood vessels in the skin get inflamed from exposure to cold — but not freezing — temperatures, Pant said. The results are red, itchy skin and perhaps swelling.
Then comes frostbite, which is harmful in part because victims may not feel it. Pant said affected skin and tissue goes numb, usually starting in fingers or toes and ears, cheeks, chin or nose. Severe cases may result in amputation.
The most dreaded effect of prolonged exposure to cold is hypothermia, Pant said. Effects range, early on, from shivers to dizziness, confusion, a feeling of hunger, difficulty moving and speaking, nausea and an increased heart rate. In more severe cases, shivering stops; victims feel sleepy, their breathing slows and their pulse weakens.
Pant said a regular summer tent alone is not sufficient to prevent harm from prolonged cold, although a tent's location may improve its effectiveness. Sufficient clothing and a winter tent are necessary, he said.
Resources | Getting Involved
9-1-1: If you see someone who seems to be in immediate danger from exposure.
Hope Connections, 2350 Levy St. in Shreveport. This nonprofit offers “comprehensive, coordinated homeless services.” (318) 670-4591.
Common Ground, 6806 Southern Ave. in Shreveport. This church collects donations for those in need. Volunteers take supplies to homeless communities every Saturday. (318) 606- 5024.
Shreveport Bossier Rescue Mission: With a women’s shelter on McNeil Street and a men’s shelter on Texas Avenue, this nonprofit needs donated toiletries, toilet paper, shampoo, jackets, blankets and gloves. A wish list is at sbrescuemission.com/get-involved/. (318) 227-2868.
The Salvation Army, 200 E. Stoner Ave. This nonprofit runs a shelter and provides supplies to area homeless. (318) 424-3200.
The Salvation Army Shreveport-Bossier Facebook Page
United Way of Northwest Louisiana, 820 Jordan St. This nonprofit collects socks, hats, blankets, hand-warmers and other cold-weather items for Hope Connections. (318) 677-2504.
