Residents of Loveland are coming together to support those affected by the imminent closure of the city’s overnight shelter. On Saturday, September 30, 2023, a coalition of nonprofit and faith-based organizations will host the “Stuff the Truck” drive at Zion Lutheran Church, located at 815 E. 16th St. The initiative aims to collect essential winter gear and other necessities for individuals who will lose access to shelter services.
The Loveland Partner Agency Council, which includes 12 local community groups, is encouraging donations of new or gently used winter clothing, such as coats, boots, gloves, hats, thermals, jeans, and sweatpants. Additionally, hygiene products, nonperishable food items, blankets, and tarps will also be accepted. Volunteers will assist with unloading donations in a drive-thru format, and attendees can enjoy complimentary coffee and refreshments provided by Retreat Bakery Bar and Loveland’s Community Kitchen.
Addressing a Critical Need
The drive takes place just before the scheduled shutdown of the South Railroad Facility, Loveland’s overnight tent shelter, which will close its doors on September 30, eliminating 50 beds for the homeless population. Following this closure, the city plans to offer overnight shelter only during inclement weather at the Loveland Resource Center on South Lincoln Avenue.
Olga Duvall, director of the Salvation Army Service Center, emphasized the urgency of the situation in a media release. She stated, “The closure of Loveland’s overnight shelter highlights a deeper crisis: our community lacks the year-round infrastructure to ensure every neighbor has a safe place to sleep. While long-term solutions are urgently needed, Stuff the Truck is a way for the community to step in right now, making sure people have coats, boots, and other essentials to survive the winter.”
Donations collected during the event will prioritize those displaced by the shelter’s closure, while any surplus items will be distributed to local nonprofits that provide services to the homeless.
A Collaborative Effort
The Loveland Partner Agency Council is a coalition of various organizations, including Alternatives to Violence, Disabled Resource Services, Family Housing Network, Homeward Alliance, House of Neighborly Services, Love First Disciples, The Matthews House, and SummitStone Health Partners. The council convenes regularly to coordinate and improve services for homeless individuals in Loveland.
For further details about the event or to make contributions, individuals can reach out to the Salvation Army at 970-699-8380 or via email at [email protected]. The “Stuff the Truck” drive represents a critical opportunity for residents to come together and support their neighbors during a challenging time, highlighting the importance of community solidarity in addressing homelessness.
