People who experience homelessness in Seattle find Lifeline in a hard time when Outreach increases – king5.com

Seattle – like freezing temperatures and the potential for snow -grip Seattle, workers in the non -profit territory We Heart Seattle hit the streets, offer shelter and support to those who experience homelessness. Many of these workers, including Patrick Bernit, have lived themselves through addiction and homelessness and are now dedicated to helping others find a way out.

“It was a long way, with many ups and falls, but in the biggest part it was the best decision I have ever made in my life,” said Bernit, who has been clean for four years.

On Wednesday morning, we heart Seattle focused its efforts near the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Bell Street in the center of Seattle. As the King County Regional Homelessness Authority activates its heavy time response protocols, additional warming centers and shelter beds have been provided, providing a critical rescue line for those who love the cold.

Bernit and his colleagues strive to contact as many people as possible, offering them a ride to a warm shelter or even a rehabilitation facility. Bernit himself once accepted such a proposal, which he said changed his life.

“I was at the bottom. I thought I could do everything myself, but it took this cold weather and someone who believed in me,” he said. “Someone to talk to me, to trust me, to bring me out of that time, and to put me on the path I am today.”

While many of those Bernit met on Wednesday refused his proposal, he remains committed to his mission. “Cold weather is what made me accept help,” he said. “That’s why we’re here – because we have experienced it ourselves. If we can talk about our experiences, it really helps us in the field.”

The dangers of life are not endless in exceptional cold are severe. Beyond the risk of hypothermia, improvised warming fires are another danger. According to the Seattle Fire Service, crews responded to eight incidents associated with fire fire last week.

Residents of Seattle and King County, who are looking for shelter information during difficult weather, can visit this connection for more information.

With the winter conditions that are expected to continue over the weekend, workers from information officials such as Burnite will continue their efforts, hoping to provide warmth and path to stability for the needy.