Petersburg shelter needs donations to give homeless a warm bed for winter

PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- Donations are still needed to make a four-year running winter shelter possible this year in Petersburg.

With winter just a few weeks away, a lack of shelter could soon be deadly. That's why Patricia Hines, President of the Petersburg Center for Development (PCD), has been organizing the Winter Hub out of a church on South Dunlop Street.

"I found out that we had people sleeping outside in tents, by the river, in the back of our public library," Hines said. "And there was nowhere for them to go in the evening hours."

The facility is a low-barrier shelter for men 18 years and older. Those who need a place to stay should arrive before 6 p.m., and only need to sign in, no questions asked. Space is limited to around 10 beds.

The shelter is made possible solely through community funding, and aims to raise enough to run from Nov. 15 through March of next year. Hines is still raising money to reach that goal.

"It's by the grace of God that we've been able to operate for four years," Hines said. "It speaks to the generosity of people."

Beyond giving those experiencing homelessness a place to sleep, the winter hub provides them with a hot shower, fresh linens and a hot meal.

"It's about dignity," Hines said. "Helping someone that's in a bad situation do better."

To donate, checks and cash can be addressed to PCD and mailed to or dropped off at 135 W. Tabb St, Petersburg, VA 23803. Visit the PCD Facebook page for more information on how to donate online.

Supplies like paper plates, paper towels, cleaning supplies and other household goods can be dropped off at the shelter at 200 S Dunlop St. during the week of Nov. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.