CINCINNATI – The holidays can also be a difficult time of year for homeless people, according to Arlene Nolan, the executive director of the Shelter House.
However, the season can also bring out the best in people, draw more volunteers and help unite the community, she said.
Shelter House helps out more than 100 homeless men and women out of their two facilities. During the winter, especially around Christmas, they see more people than usual needing help and more people helping out, according to Nolan.
“It’s a wonderful season,” Nolan said. “People are so generous, and we’re so thankful to them for reaching out.
For one group of volunteers who came out Wednesday, the event wasn’t just about helping others, but also breaking down social barriers.
A group from the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati helped feed homeless people at three area shelters Wednesday, including the Shelter House. About 30 people cooked meals to donate, according to Afreen Asif of the Islamic center.
“We are doing what we are supposed to do, what we are ordained to do: taking care of our neighbors and being there with them,” Asif said.
She said they hope to show the community that their Muslim culture is gentle and about helping one another.
Nolan said they were happy for the help.
“It’s pretty amazing,” she said. “We really appreciate it… it’s just wonderful.”
