KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A metro church has been open 11 nights in a row to provide a warm place to sleep to people forced to battle dangerously cold temperatures without a place to sleep.
They're taking steps to protect their center from bedbugs.
Bridge of Hope Church in Kansas City, Kansas opened it's Cold Weather Shelter in 2016.
Since then the intake process has changed to better serve the homeless.
Alex Scott is the co-director of the cold weather shelter. He says new intake protocols are designed to protect against bedbugs.
"We give them the opportunity to shower here. It's required for all of our guests. It's a situation where we're trying to do our due diligence in preventing an outbreak here." said Scott.
Blue Beetle Pest Control tells 41 Action News that bedbugs are widespread throughout the metro. They're treating homes and businesses because they spread so easily.
However, despite the obstacles, Pastor Luther Eatman said bedbug mediation is a small price to pay when it comes to helping people in need.
"This is not just a place to get out of the cold, this is a place where people meet Jesus," said Eatman.
The cold weather shelter needs volunteers and donations. They're in need of blankets, clothing and food. They also have a GoFundMepage.
---
