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Kokomo PD steps up to help those in need

KOKOMO, Ind. (WISH) – The Kokomo Rescue Mission says for the past two nights they’ve been so full they’ve had men sleeping on the floor and had to turn people away. They surpassed last year’s record of housing 75 men a night.

That doesn’t include their Open Arms Shelter that houses homeless women and children.

Mark Turner and close to 6,000 other Hoosiers are homeless according to Van Taylor with the Kokomo Rescue Mission.

“This place is a blessing to me. When I came here I was broken down,” said Kokomo Rescue Mission resident Mark Turner.

When mother nature turns temperamental, it leaves those with a warm heart concerned for those out in the cold.

A police officer said he spotted a guy sleeping outside and tried to take him to the rescue mission but it was full. With little options, the Kokomo Police Department opened up their garage so no one would have to sleep in the cold.

“We are grateful law enforcement stepped in when we ran out of space. This time of year a lot of folks sleep on porches or in garages,” said Kokomo Rescue Mission Director Van Taylor.

The Kokomo Rescue Mission is in need of canned goods, warm blankets and monetary donations. All of these items can be dropped off at their main office in Kokomo.