The Greenwich Board of Health’s coat drive continues through Dec 15. To date, co chairs of the drive, Jeff Medina and Natalie Queen report receiving hundreds of coats for men, women and children.
On Wednesday Ms Queen and Mr. Medina traveled to Pacific House Men’s Shelter in Stamford with a car loaded to the ceiling with men’s coats.
According to Outreach Case manager Leroy Jordan, the shelter most appreciates extra large coats, but all are welcome.
“We brought about 115 coats to Inspirica last week,” Medina said, adding that he estimated Wednesday’s haul at about 70 men’s coats.
“We’re so grateful for all the donations,” he added, noting that the weather had recently taken a turn for the colder.
The pandemic has impacted the routines at Pacific House. Typically the shelter takes in 67 men who need a place to sleep, but at times make room for up to 100, Mr. Jordan said.
However, that came to a stop with the pandemic. Instead, the shelter has been able to find housing in local hotels for 30 men.
Mr. Jordan said a massive renovation of the second floor where the beds are located had been in the works, but timing was tricky because it would displace the men staying overnight there.
As long as the pandemic precluded men staying in the shelter overnight, it would up being the ideal time to undertake the renovation.
“It’s a complete gut job,” Mr. Jordan said, adding that everything will be replaced including bathrooms.
The coat drive continues through December 15. There is a drop off box in the lobby of Greenwich Town Hall (The building is only open to visit without an appointment between 8:00am to 1:00pm).
There is a second drop off location on the front porch of 21 Lincoln Ave, 06830.