"We don't want anyone cold:" Agencies check on elderly, homeless as arctic air lingers

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The dangerous cold we've seen so far in 2015 is being blamed for possibly causing the deaths of two people in Milwaukee. A 58-year-old man with a history of homelessness was found dead on January 1st in an alcove near a liquor store, and a 91-year-old man was found dead in his unheated, 30-degree home on January 3rd. These deaths, and the ongoing bitterly cold weather has officials asking folks to watch out for one another, and to check on the elderly and the homeless.

There are several agencies that work to get people on the street or in need of shelter to warmth, but those living in their own homes must take care of themselves -- and some may need a little help.

We’ve seen bitterly cold temperatures this week, and the National Weather Service has issued another Wind Chill Advisory to take effect at midnight Wednesday, January 7th through noon Thursday, January 8th. FOX6 Weather Experts say the wind will pick up Tuesday night under partly cloudy skies, and temperatures will fall below zero overnight with wind chills around -30 by Wednesday morning.

As temperatures continue to drop, folks at the Washington Park Senior Center say they make sure to check on one another.

"People do come by to check on me and I go by to check on them and we check on each other," Joyce McGee said.

It's a habit McGee says is vital when it's dangerously cold.

"I think it`s very important because things happened before where people were in the house alone and one lady fell and was in the house all night long and no one knew it," McGee said.

It's important for those who know someone who is elderly to be concerned about their welfare. The 91-year-old man found dead in his unheated home is an example of the importance of checking on your loved ones.

Betty Smith with Interfaith says what happened to the 91-year-old man is exactly what her organization tries to prevent.

"My first thought was he didn`t have heat. How did he fall through the cracks? That makes me think about how many people are out there we are not connecting to. The biggest thing is for us to make sure we make contact with them," Smith said.

Workers do that through the "Telephone Reassurance Program." It provides peace of mind with one, simple phone call.

"We do this for people who really need somebody to check on them and who don`t have necessarily the family and support system around them," Smith said.

Smith says sometimes seniors require extra attention.

"Sometimes they need to be reminded -- if you`re going to the mailbox, make sure you dress warmly. Make sure you don`t lock yourself outside. If you need something from the store, give us a call or call your neighbor," Smith said.

Smith says with this arctic air seemingly sticking around, it's all about members of the community taking care of one another.

"We don`t want anyone cold today, tomorrow, or this winter," Smith said.

Community activist Tracey Dent tells FOX6 News he will be working to help collect hats and gloves and other cold-weather items (blankets, socks, etc.) for the homeless on Tuesday, January 6th. Donations will be accepted on Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission on N. 19th Street.

Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services has updated its list of heating centers around the state for people to get out of the dangerous cold. The list is available here.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Interfaith.