More seeking help of homeless shelter

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Shelter numbers are continuing to climb upwards in the Greater Springfield Area.

The Friends of the Homeless, on Worthington St. are experiencing higher numbers this fall, compared to what they even had in the dead of winter last year.

The shelter's executive director, Bill Miller told 22News their goal is more than providing Thanksgiving dinner for people who are homeless.

“Our focus for the holidays is, get people moved into their home. Let them have their own holiday meal in their own place,” said Miller.

Juan is one shelter resident who is moving into his own place soon.  He told 22News, “Everything that you really need, is within the premises, y'know…case workers…a lot of help here. I got it.”

Juan is one of the 170 people the shelter has helped find a home for this year but the shelters still continue to overflow.