If you have been in the recorder’s office lately – you would have seen a huge, growing pile of garbage bags, boxes, and more. No, we have become our own landfill but a collection site for this year’s Homeless Service Blitz.
The City of Orem Police Department recently kicked off its second annual Homeless Service Blitz to request donations of new sleeping bags, socks, gloves, hats, small gift cards, hand warmers, and blessing bags from the community to help the local homeless during the winter season. Donated items will be distributed by the Police Department’s Mental Health Response Team and the Patrol Division and will provide homeless individuals and families with basic items to stay warm during colder temperatures.
Last year, the service project was created by Sergeant Jeremy Jamison and Community Services Manager, Kena Mathews, in response to the growing homeless problem in the community. Sergeant Jamison and his staff were seeing more and more homeless and didn’t have the resources to provide warm items to help these struggling community members.
Last year, the Blitz produced some wonderful donations. This year, however, the Blitz has exploded! Almost everyday since the blitz was posted on JustServe.org, staff has received phone calls expressing their interest in the opportunity and/or accepted large quantities of donations. One community member organized her neighborhood, gym, family, and husband’s work to participate bringing in over 40 sleeping bags as well as many other requested items. The Utah County Attorney Office has also stepped up and have been collecting donations.
“The homeless in our community sometimes feel like they are a burden on our society and often feel abandoned as well”, said Sergeant Jamison, “It is nice to see our community show so much love and support for those struggling in the area. We will definitely let them know of the community’s kindness and generosity.”
Because of the enormous response this year, the blitz is currently on hold. It is hopeful that the service opportunity will be reopened later in the winter season and posted on JustServe.org .
For more information, contact Kena Mathews at (801) 229-7023 or kjmathews@orem.org.