As winter settles in, many of us turn to warm routines and holiday traditions. But for the people and families we serve, this season often brings a set of challenges that quietly intensify as the temperatures drop.
We hear from families who feel the pressure of rising heating bills and higher grocery costs at the very moment their budgets are already stretched thin. Parents work hard to keep their homes warm and their children fed, but winter often forces impossible choices that no one should have to make.
Cold weather also takes a real toll on health. Winter illnesses hit harder, especially for older adults, children, and those managing chronic conditions. Some people skip necessary appointments because travel is unsafe or missing work isn’t an option, turning small health issues into bigger problems.
Food insecurity often grows, too. With school breaks and rising food prices, families have more meals to provide and fewer resources to do it. Many quietly go without to make sure their children don’t have to.
Winter can also be an isolating time. Shorter days and colder weather keep people indoors, and for seniors or individuals with limited transportation, this can mean long stretches without connection or support.
For those experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, winter is especially dangerous. Finding a warm place to sleep becomes a daily struggle, and even those with housing may live in places that don’t stay warm enough to be safe.
Despite all of this, winter also brings out incredible generosity. We see neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers showing up in the cold, and supporters stepping in so people don’t have to face the season alone.
This winter, we’re committed to providing warmth, resources, food, and connection to the people who need it most. And if you feel moved to help — by donating, volunteering, or simply sharing our mission — your support will bring real warmth to someone’s life during the coldest months of the year.
