KILLEEN, TX — A growing tent city forms outside the Friends in Crisis Homeless Shelter. This all comes after the Killeen shelter shuts its doors back in May.
“It’s rough out here when you don’t have a place to live,” said William Minor, a veteran who has been sleeping in a tent outside the facility.
Volunteers are working to meet the daily needs of those who have been staying on the front lawn of the shelter. However, they still need the assistance in properly serving the homeless.
“A group of volunteers got together...Started donating tents, barbecue grill, a freezer, doing what we can keep the kind of stress level down for them,” said Omari Branding, a lead volunteer who is coordinating ways to meet basic needs.
The severe weather has posed a challenge for the homeless. Some people staying at the property say tents became flooded, and many were left to dry out their clothes.
“I was scared, I was frightened. But I just had to lie there and take it,” said Minor.
They are looking for the following donations:
- drawstring bags or backpacks
- sleeping bag
- travel size pillow
- brand new underwear
- socks
- blanket/fleece throw
- snacks
- water
- lotions
- lip gloss/chap stick
- toothbrushes
- toothpaste & mouthwash
- deodorant / body wash
- shampoo & conditioner
- feminine care products
- ethnic hair care products
- flip flops/sandals
Travel sized items work best.
Donations can be brought to the site at 412 East Sprott Street in Killeen at anytime.
