I awaken half an hour early to the sound of snow-blowers.

Eight inches of snow fell overnight. I can't even see where my sidewalk should be. Up and down the street neighbors are already out shoveling and brushing off their cars.

I grumble as I bundle up and head out to do my part to clear the walkways of snow.

This early morning ritual leaves most people grousing and sore. But for the homeless, winter's chill is a true hardship.

The homeless often have no choice but to sleep under bridges, in vacant buildings and under overpasses. If they are lucky, they find a shelter to take them in.

Homelessness is an issue that reaches into every community, even ours.

The scale of this problem is difficult to gauge, but the data that has been collected has shown a disturbing picture.

Studies have shown that our community has an appalling number of children among the homeless population. The face of the homeless population is also all too often that of a domestic violence victim, a person with a disability or someone with a substance abuse problem.

Homelessness has also become an epidemic among our nation's veterans.

In addition to those who are technically homeless, our community also has a large population of people who are at risk of becoming homeless. People in this situation may be staying temporarily with relatives or be facing imminent eviction with no long-term prospects for housing.

Though it is never easy to be homeless or at risk for homelessness, winter is particularly difficult.

For those already homeless, cold temperatures can make finding shelter a matter of life and death. This can drive up the number of people seeking out scarce shelter space.

For those at risk of homelessness, winter can strain the family budget to the breaking point. The cold drives up heating bills, making it difficult for many to keep up. This can literally drive a family from their homes.

The recession has a horrifying multiplier effect on the homeless population as well.

Job loss and economic hardship are major causes of people losing their homes. This increases the number in need of services while also making it more difficult for government and private donors to fund them.

Our community has services available to help those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Agencies such as Options, Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency and Catholic Charities offer a variety of services to help those who are homeless or at risk. Cayuga County also has 18 food pantries and soup kitchens to serve those in need and the Chapel House Homeless Shelter.

The “Help Now Basic Needs Emergency Assistance Map” has been created to act as a reference for those seeking services. A copy of the map is available at Options for Independence, 75 Genesee St., Auburn, or by contacting Barb Bowen at the Human Services Coalition at

253-9743.

Collin M. Sullivan is the ADA/access advocate for Options for Independence