KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Arctic cold continues to have a firm grip on the Kansas City metro and some people experiencing homelessness are braving the elements.
Advocate Lindsey Anne said there are people still living outside and the individuals she helps complain they're wet and their biggest request is a need for items to stay warm.
"They become desperate for sources of heat and dry blankets, dry socks, candles and obviously always a hot meal," she said.
Recently, two people experiencing homelessness died in the cold. Anne is concerned that the number could grow as temperatures continue to hover in the single digits with below zero wind chills.
"I know personally when I come home at night, that's all I can think about is you know, am I going to get a phone call that another friend has been lost. So yeah, it's a fear all the time and that's why we try to make sure there's someone on the street at all times checking on people," she said.
As a result of the deaths of two people experiencing homelessness, Bartle Hall was converted into an overnight emergency shelter during the extreme cold.
Lindsey Anne said she volunteers with a group called Free Hot Soup which helps those experiencing homelessness.
Anne explained everyone can do their part to help.
"I tell all my friends, make sure you have some dry blankets, a water bottle at some kind of snack in your car. I keep all of that in my front seat. When I drive up on someone, I just grab those things and say hey do you need a blanket, do you need water or a snack. And most of the time they're going to be pretty gracious for that stuff," Anne said.
