ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Inflation and lingering pandemic issues are forcing some people out of their homes and onto the streets.
Christian Care homeless shelter in Rock Island is seeing more people reach out for help. This comes after temperatures are dropping and living costs are rising. The care center has almost reached its capacity of 42 beds, and officials said they're currently housing around 40 people.
"We don't like to let beds sit empty," Shelter Marketing and Event Coordinator Lexi Bull said. "If there is an empty bed, typically, they're waiting for somebody to show up for an intake."
Care center officials also said the latest data from 2018 projected that 198 individuals were homeless just in Rock Island and Moline that year. Christian Care projects around 450 people to be homeless in the Quad Cities this winter.
"We take less individuals just because we can focus more on that, because we focus on finding them permanent housing," Bull said.
One Christian Care resident, who asked not to reveal his name, said he has been at the shelter for awhile and found out about their services seven years ago.
"Dealing with addiction and I heard about Christian Care," he said. "About seven years ago they told me what they do and what they have to offer."
The center offers three meals a day Monday through Friday. They also offer job application help and a place to sleep, as well as case management to help people get back on their feet.
"I do plan on leaving the facility in a short period of time after my medical situation's cleared up," the resident said.
Christian Care also has two street outreach coordinators, recruiting folks who may need help. The shelter is also holding a walk for the homeless on Dec. 17.
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