The heat is hard on us all, but imagine having to live outside this summer when you're pregnant.
For some homeless women, that is a reality.
Tiffany Ladd with YAIPaks said that during these heat waves, they've been handing out fans, tents, and water bottles.
Ladd said, "It's so easy to walk by and just ignore that they're there, but it takes 5 seconds to stop and give them a cold bottle of water."
They're trying to help them feel comfortable in the heat.
Ladd said, "They want to open up warming shelters in the winter time, but the heat is just as deadly. So where are our cooling shelters? I've worked tirelessly to get people into a shelter, and every shelter in Nashville is at max capacity."
Today she made a special visit to see 21-year-old Aaron Taylor.
Taylor said, "Truth be told, I have these feelings about things. I mean I'm pregnant, I'm homeless, I'm out here, I don't know when my next meal is going to be. I'm low as dirt. I really am. That's how I feel. And having people like care to reassure me is actually really really cool."
Taylor sits on 2nd Avenue with her sign. She grew up in a foster home, worked for a carnival, and life has been hard.
Taylor said, "I wouldn't wish it on my enemy, I really wouldn't."
Taylor plans on giving her child up for adoption.
She doesn't think the streets, or a shelter, are a good place to raise a family.
Taylor said, "Some of them have been scary, I've had a couple scary experiences because most of them are filled with drug addicts and drunks."
The heat doesn't help her situation. Right now, she's living in a tent.
Taylor said, "It's not easy." Taylor's husband recently got a job. She hopes things will get better soon.
Right now the ministry is accepting donations so they can continue helping the homeless community.
They are based in Clarksville and could use several items:
- Clothing
- Shoes
- Household items
- Tents (4-6 person)
- Tarps
- Propane (green gallon can)
- All weather sleeping bags
- Baby Wipes
- Fishing Poles
- Rope
- One Eyed Burners
- Hand Can Openers
- Bug Spray
- First Aid Kits
- Sunscreen
- Deodorant
- Men’s Boxers (Small, Medium, Large)
- Women’s Underwear (Small, Medium, Large)
- Reading Glasses
- New Air Mattress
- Tampons
- Dish Liquid
- Small Laundry Detergent
- Bottled water
- Battery Powered Fans
- New Slightly Used Boots
- Durable Adult Backpacks
For drop off information, contact them on their Facebook page.
