GREEN BAY, Wis. — When severe weather strikes most of us can grab a shovel to dig out from under the heavy snow or make a trip to the store to get extra supplies.
Living alone during a hard winter can be especially isolating.
“People are depending on us to show up and sometimes we're the only person they see that day,” says Dave Passerelli of Homebound Meals, a the meal delivery service that is run by the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Green Bay.
Passarelli has been delivery hot meals to those in need for years. Passarelli is one of 100 volunteers who deliver Homebound Meals year-round.
“Every day you know whatever round you are on the people are going to be so grateful to see you at the door,” he says.
The severe cold and heavy snowfall forced the program to close 3 days this winter.
Colleen Myers has been part of the Homebound Meals program for the last 3 years. She says when the Homebound Meals closed the only food she had to eat was what was left in her pantry.
“If it wasn't for Homebound Meals I don't know where I would be because I can't get out and go to the store,” she says.
Colleen suffers from COPD. A long disease that makes it difficult for her to leave the house by herself.
“I panic because if something would happen what am i going to do?” Myers says the stress of being trapped inside her home makes the long days of winter very lonely.
But thanks to people like Dave Passerelli who brave the cold and snow all winter long, delivering a hot meal and a warm smile
“If you live alone you kind of look forward to it because they are. They sit around and chit-chat for a little bit and it kind of makes you feel... it lights up the day a little bit,” Colleen adds.
For more information on the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and the Homebound Meals program click HERE .
