It’s been a cold and brutal winter for me. It’s like that for many of us with record-breaking temperatures dropping around the country like crazy. It makes you think it’s another ice age coming. Sheesh.
Temperatures in Baltimore are surprising alone during this week with it expecting to reach 0 degrees Thursday night, February 19, 2015.
I have to travel home from work in that BS!
In times like these, there lacks warm shelter for thousands of people living in poverty. The Mayor’s Office Human Resources states “It is estimated that there are 2,638 men, women, and children who are homeless in Baltimore on any given night.” That’s a lot of people and to think some of these people are literally out here sleeping in the streets! It’s very saddening.
There are people and organizations willing to do anything to somehow make a difference in our homeless brothers and sisters’ lives. One person I’ve notice who’s making his imprint in Baltimore is Chonan Bell.
Bell has picked up a buzz this week as his mission has spread tremendously through word of mouth on social media. He and his friends have taken the initiative in helping put homeless people, who he sees living on the streets, in a shelter, even if that shelter needs be in a tent.
I contacted Bell about the 411 on what he’s doing around our city. He says:
“I don’t know honestly. Lol. I mean…I drive pass people everyday on my way home and it’s cold as h*** outside. I know everyone can’t get into a shelter, nor do they want to go to a shelter, so a tent could provide some type of shelter from the elements even if it’s just rain or the wind.”
You don’t need to know Chonan! You’re doing an awesome act of kindness! We need more people like you around.
Bell leaves room for others who’d like to get involved in what he’s doing, too. He’s picking up and delivering tent orders from people unable to make those frigid runs themselves. Here’s how you can get involved…
- Order a $20 tent online from Walmart.com
- Select ship to store for the Arbutus location on Washington Blvd.
- Designate Chonan Bell as the pickup person.
- Email Bell at Chonanb@yahoo.com to let him know you’ve ordered your tent
- You’ve helped someone out!
Also, Ms. Kia Sample, female Baltimore hip-hop artist and 2014 Baltimore Music Awards Nominee, posted two numbers for contact on her Instagram account this week. If you see anyone in Baltimore City or County on these streets during these harsh cold nights, make sure to pick up your phone and dial these numbers. Someone will transport that person somewhere safe and warm out of these inclement weather.
Do you know of any other people assisting the homeless around Baltimore? Let us know in the comments below.
Check out some dope Kia Sample music below.
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