Non-profits in the Ozarks working around the clock to help those in the unsheltered community

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Nonprofits in the Ozarks are working hard to help the unsheltered community and keep those who could soon be unsheltered off the streets.

The Connecting Grounds (TCG) Outreach Center has seen between 1,000 to 1,500 guests each month for the past four months. Thousands of hot and cold meals have been served this past year at the center, and the need for clothing has remained steady as well. TCG also offers transitional housing options.

Another local nonprofit, the Council of Churches of the Ozarks (CCO), helps provide food, toiletries, diapers, shelter, and even rental assistance for people who need a hand-up.

Quinton Forester visits TCG often after he became homeless half a year ago. He said he even volunteers there so he can get warm winter clothing and help others in similar or worse situations.

“There aren’t very many places like this around, and they’re closing quicker and quicker because (some) communities don’t want them. Some people look at the homeless as vagrants, which we’re just people too,” Forester said.

Kayleena Withers said CCO helped her pay her rent. She said without CCO, she could’ve been put out on the streets with her baby.

“If it wasn’t for them, I would’ve been evicted from my apartment, and I don’t know what I would’ve done,” Withers said.

If you want to donate or find out hours, locations, and other details about both of these non-profits, visit CCO’s website and TCG’s website.

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