Many blankets, sleeping bags needed

AUSTIN (KXAN) - With the recent cold front, many of the homeless in the Austin area are left out in the cold, and the weather temperatures highlight the need for blankets and sleeping bags, since the resource pool has been depleted. Front Steps is the managing nonprofit of the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless and is asking the community to donate blankets and sleeping bags to help keep Austin's homeless population warm this winter.

Sleeping bags and blankets have been distributed from ARCH over the last two weeks in advance of the weekend's cold front, but there are no more in the supply. Donations are being gathered, and this is what can be taken:

• Twin-size or larger blankets
• Sleeping bags
• Socks
• Men's jackets and coast
• Money for blanket purchases

Any donations can be taken to the ARCH located at 500 E. Seventh St. in Downtown Austin any time between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. People can also call (512) 305-4100 for more information.

The ARCH is managed by Front Steps and is a day resource center, an emergency overnight shelter and a homeless health clinic. The day resource center provides clients access to showers, lockers, laundry facilities, clothing, telephones, mail and messaging services.