PAINESVILLE, Ohio-Paynesville’s “Mission Zero” is responding to the growing demand of the homeless who refuse indoor shelters and hosted another “fill bus” on November 23 Activities to collect donated warm items for distribution in the coming winter.

Zero Mission Communications Director James Hedo told News 5 that it is looking for donations of so-called "Live Five" warm items, including winter hats, coats, gloves, boots and sleeping bags. Hido said the donated items must be brand new or used. Hido said the donation can also include new winter socks and tents.

Hido stated that his agency is trying to collect 7,500 items by December 1 to meet the planned inventory for more than 50 distributions by March 2022. Hido said that the ongoing pandemic has had a negative impact on the agency’s life-saving work, so he expressed his hope that the November collection activities will allow the agency to catch up this winter.

"More and more people are becoming homeless, and we cannot directly influence and help these people," Hido said.

"Due to COVID-19, our event season and fundraising season have been completely closed, so we cannot raise any funds that are usually required for that delivery season."

"We are collecting winter hats, boots, gloves, coats and sleeping bags. All we can consider to be new or lightly used. We will also bring new warm winter socks and tents."

Justin Ramey of Asia Zero Mission Communications is also a member of the "Blue Jacket" delivery team, which is responsible for providing on-site delivery services for outdoor homeless people in tent locations or on the street. Lamy told News 5 that the agency’s “no questions asked” approach allowed it to gain trust from this disadvantaged group who often copes with mental health or substance abuse challenges.

"This is a reality that too many Americans have to face," Lamy said. "When you do distribution, the reality of spending time in the cold without these warm items has the potential to save someone's life."

Lamy said: "A lot of things may have happened that caused this person to be in this position, and we are the last to make a judgment."

Hido told News 5 Sub Zero Mission was founded by two local veterans who just wanted to keep another veteran warm 12 years ago. Hido said the agency focuses on helping homeless veterans because they account for more than 20% of the outdoor homeless population.

"Our needs and demands are higher than ever before," Hido said. "We are not asking why, we are not police, we are not here trying to get you out of trouble. We just want to make sure you can survive this cold night."

The agency will host the Stuff the Bus event at the Lake County Work and Family Service Center at 177 Paynesville Avenue from 11 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, November 23. The event will accept new socks, boots and coats, as well as new or lightly used winter hats, sleeping bags and tents. The agency said it would not accept pants, dresses, toys or underwear.

During this event, the Barra De Taco food truck owned by the veterans will also provide on-site service for those who want to buy lunch from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. More information can be found on the Sub Zero Mission webpage or Facebook page.