Aurora’s Wesley UMC collecting backpacks for homeless

Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N. May St. in Aurora, is collecting backpacks for unhoused neighbors.

The Rev. Tammy Scott, Wesley lead pastor, said donations may include new and slightly used backpacks. Deadline to donate is Thursday, July 17. The drive is sponsored by Wesley's warming center and friends.

Last winter, Aurora faced the challenge of getting the word out about serving the local homeless facing frigid temperatures. But the city found a way to serve residents facing harsh cold: a contract overnight warming center.

Congregants at Wesley United Methodist Church stepped up, hosting the city's first winter temporary shelter. Help was provided by 50 local volunteers and friends, including community organizations.

From January to March, the shelter served 174 guests. Attendance ranged from 8 to 46 guests.

The city activated the shelter from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on nights when temperatures were at or below 15°F, or when weather conditions were severe due to a combination of wind chill and precipitation.

Guests received a cot, meals, snacks and water. Volunteers and staff put in more than 1,050 hours, including serving more than 950 meals. Security was also on-site.

The Rev. Scott said, “We made a difference in the lives of so many. This past year has been one of both challenge and triumph, as we continued our mission to provide a safe, warm haven for our community's most vulnerable during the harsh winter months.

“As we look to the future, we are committed to continuing and hopefully expanding our services and reaching even more individuals in need. We are exploring opportunities to extend our hours of operation, offer additional support services and increase our outreach efforts to ensure that everyone in our community knows about the warming center.”

For more information, call (630) 896-1033 or visit wesleyumaurora.org.