Imagine spending a night this winter on the streets, with nowhere to go.

All you have for protection from the elements are the clothes on your back – a jacket, shoes, gloves and a knit cap.

Could you withstand the frigid temperatures and the wet snow, sleet and rain?

What would you eat? Where would you sleep? Would you be able to maintain your sanity? These are not pleasant thoughts.

For many across the Lehigh Valley, braving the cold day in and day out, searching for the next meal and next roof to sleep under is a regular occurrence.

The homeless take many forms. People who live on the streets do not choose the lifestyle they are living.

I have had the privilege of working in a few homeless shelters in the past.

What I witnessed were many individuals who became an unfortunate victim of one slip in life, and that temporary fall led to a series of unplanned events, one after another.

Some of those living on the streets are drug and alcohol addicts who truly want to achieve sobriety.

Others are recovering addicts who spend each day making a sincere effort to stay clean.

Yet others are suffering from a mental disease; a disease, no matter what type or quantity of medication is prescribed, continues to control their life.

Some, once independent and successful, become unemployed, losing their finances, home and in some cases, their family.

And yet, there are others living on our streets who once wore our nation's military uniforms and gave their time and would have given their lives to ensure our safety.

More disturbing, many on our streets during this cold winter season are innocent children the sons and daughters of a homeless person.

According to the 2008 Lehigh Valley Shelter Census, 38 percent of homeless people in the Lehigh Valley were children.

How many of us can say we are truly immune to a simple slip in life that could turn into a catastrophe?

A simple slip that would put us on the streets, with very little hope, if any, and nowhere to turn?

This winter, take the time to at least be grateful for what you have shelter, heat, hot water, a job, income, a home or apartment and family and friends.

The amenities many of us take for granted are out-of-reach pleasures for those living on the streets.

Beyond expressing gratitude, consider donating a blanket or two, a bag of groceries, or a few dollars to the local homeless shelter.

You might also consider stopping by a homeless shelter to take a tour of the facility and learn more about the incredible, helpful services these facilities offer to those down on their luck.

And, if you can, reach out to another person in need. Often we associate the concept of service with some monumental and noble undertaking.

To my surprise, it is often the small act that makes the largest impact.

During this harsh winter, let us remember those struggling. Let us help, in some small way.

As Mother Teresa said, "Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you."

Who happens to be that person nearest you, in need, that you can help this winter?

The following is a list of local shelters from the Lehigh County website at lehighcounty.org.

·Allentown Rescue Mission, allentownrescuemission.org, 355 W. Hamilton St., Allentown, 610-740-5500. After Hours: 610-740-5503 Emergency homeless shelter. Clothing and personal care items (for individuals in the shelter). Must be an adult male, ages 18-plus.

·Beall and Linny Fowler Hospitality House of the Salvation Army, 344 N. 7th St., Allentown, 610-432-0128. Emergency shelter for women and children. Bilingual staff available. Also has transitional housing longer term.

·Easton Area Neighborhood Center, 902 Philadelphia Road, Easton, 610-253-4253. Women and children only.

New Bethany Ministries, newbethanyministries.org, 337 Wyandotte St., Bethlehem, 610-691-5602 Transitional shelter (non-emergency) for homeless women and children. Transitional shelter (non-emergency) for homeless adults. Supportive housing program for men (Single Room Occupancy), in Coplay. 610-691-2955. Transitional housing program for women and children: Restoration House. Must be employed and pursuing educational/vocational goals

·Pathways (Lehigh County Conference of Churches) 610-439-8653. Information and referral services for housing and emergency shelter.

·Safe Harbor, caclv.org, 536 Bushkill Drive, Easton, 610-258-5540. Adult men and women only.

·Salvation Army Hospitality House, 344 N. 7th St., Allentown, 610-432-0129 or 610-432-0128. Women and children.

·Sixth Street Shelter, caclv.org, 219 N. 6th St. Allentown, PA 18102 610-435-1490 Shelter (non-emergency) for homeless families. Transitional Housing Program up to 2 years for families pursuing educational/vocational goals: Turner Street Apartments.

·Third Street Alliance for Women and Families 41 N. 3rd St., Easton, 610-258-6271. Women and children only.

·Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley Inc., turningpointlv.org, 610-437-3369 (24-hour hotline) 610-867-6477 or 610-868-5454. Victims of domestic violence, women and children only.

·Valley Housing Development Corp. 610-866-0124 Supportive Housing Program. Must be a homeless individual with serious and persistent mental illness. Strict eligibility requirements. Individuals must have an open case in Lehigh County Mental Health.

·Valley Youth House, valleyyouthhouse.org, 539 8th Ave., Bethlehem, 610-691-1200. Adolescents ages 12-17 only.

·Victory House of Lehigh Valley, victoryhouselv.org, 314 Fillmore St., Bethlehem, 610-691-3373 Emergency shelter and transitional housing program. Serves homeless adult males.

Mark Reccek

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press