Outreach managers venture around metro Detroit to help the homeless

Most people spend the coldest nights of the year indoors. But for outreach managers like Stephanie Taylor, they find themselves much more active.

That's because when weather turns hazardous and conditions turn extreme, nonprofits like the Covenant House use people like Taylor to find those without shelter and get them indoors.

Big picture view:

With winter temperatures making the outdoors hazardous during the coldest periods of the night, resources are being used to find anyone without shelter to get them indoors.

That includes the Covenant House, which dispatches outreach managers around the region. Stephanie Taylor carries with her food, gloves, and coats - anything to provide immediate relief and hopefully build up some trust.

"Over and over again, I tell people it’s not me. It’s God and its Covenant House and its other organizations that’s partnering - that’s helping serve them," she said.

On Wednesday night, Taylor drove around Detroit on the lookout for spots that people without a home stay at to escape the elements.

Local perspective:

At one stop Wednesday night, Taylor was looking for someone she knows and knows where he lives. But she couldn't find him.

"He’s not there. Thank you, Jesus. He’s not there," she said coming back from one area.

Taylor is happy because that individual likely found shelter for the night. Escaping 14 degrees outside is the idea scenario for someone with no place to live.

Covenant House does several rides a week to bring resources to the homeless, especially young people and those at risk of human trafficking.

However, most of the shelters that Covenant House visited were packed due to the temperatures.

"It’s tough because when you get people that you can’t convince them to go into a place or if the doors are slamming because it’s too full, those moments is really sad," said Taylor.

Winter Weather