The Piedmont Columbus Regional Auxiliary and Community Outreach Mobile Unit have partnered together to provide free grab bags filled with toiletries and mylar blankets to the homeless community. The event will be held on Tuesday, January 28 from 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at SafeHouse Ministries.
 
“The Piedmont Columbus Regional Auxiliary strongly believes in the Piedmont mission of making a positive different in every life we touch,” said Beth Parsons, President of the Piedmont Columbus Regional Auxiliary.  “In addition to the many services we provide in the hospital, we wanted to take action within our community as well.”
 
Free grab bags will be provided on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last.  The bags will have a reflective strip (to improve nighttime visibility) and will contain toothbrushes and toothpaste, cleansing wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm, a snack and two mylar blankets.
 
“The Community Outreach Mobile Unit conducts weekly health clinics for the indigent population providing a resident, pharmacist and nurse. They see the patient, provide medical advice, medicine and referral to a community partner if needed,” said Melonese Close, Community Outreach manager at Piedmont Columbus Regional.  “I thought it would be a great idea to think outside the box and host an event in conjunction with our clinic and provide basic items needed for survival.”
 
There are approximately 1,500 people experiencing homelessness on any given night in Columbus/Muscogee County, according to SafeHouse Ministries.