As winter approaches and temperatures dip below freezing at night, homeless shelters in the Grand Valley are needing extra help from the community.

Officials with HomewardBound of the Grand Valley say their shelter is already at capacity, and they are using overflow shelter space in other buildings.

The organization is asking for help from the community on a regular basis, and they also have a special event planned for next week.

“We have a wishlist. It’s available on our website. We also are always in need of donations, food, clothes, monetary donations,” said Jesse Redmond, Development Director for HomewardBound. “Really, any way you can help out. If you’d also like to volunteer your time, that’s also a great help.”

 “As you know, as it gets colder, people who are outside need more cold weather gear in order to be able to survive, basically,” said HomewardBound Executive Director Greg Moore. “So, we’re doing this coat drive, and we will be doing this next Friday and Saturday from 10 to 4 pm. People can bring their coats or winter clothing and anything else they want to donate. We’ll gladly accept them”

The coat drive was organized by a man who used to be homeless and wanted to do something to help, along with the Canyon View Vineyard Church. People who donate during the coat drive will be entered into a raffle to win some certificates for free dinners at area restaurants.

For more information on how you can help, click here.