HOUSTON — It says March on the calendar, but it certainly doesn’t feel like Spring is in the air.
For the homeless, the bitter temps are not just uncomfortable, they are dangerous.
The cold weather has been on the radar of The Star of Hope Mission, a nonprofit that helps the homeless. It has an open-door policy, especially in the cold. The organization’s Scott Arthur said donations are needed right now to help those who might refuse to go to a shelter.
“Blankets, gloves, scarves. We need items that would keep somebody on a street warm," Arthur said.
Remember, if you’re cold, your pets are, too.
“We do not recommend that you keep your pets outside,” said Julie Kuenstle with the Houston SPCA.
Kuenstle said if you don’t want to keep them in your living room, “you can create a home in your laundry room. Get some soft bedding, some hay, you just want to make sure that they’re comfortable.”
Cats and kittens might try to sneak under the hood of your car for warmth. Before you start your engine, Kuenstle recommends giving a little knock on your hood to make sure they’re not under there.
Nurturing your other friends, such as plants and flowers in this weather, is also key.
Edwardo Ramirez of River Oaks Plant House said pocabillions and begonias are popular to have in our area this time of year. They’ll require extra care, however, these next few days, along with other varieties. Make sure to cover them in an airy fabric. You can also use a thin bed sheet.
“This is what you want to do when it gets cold, protect them from the wind. You don’t want to cover them so much, because you want them to breathe,” Ramirez said.
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