Blair County has experienced numerous worse winters than the one currently upon us — much worse.

However, what is most important now is not statistics comparing this winter with ones from the near or distant past; it is whether resources in Altoona and Blair County beyond are prepared to address needs stemming from the current challenging conditions.

Another important consideration and concern must be whether the flexibility exists to respond properly to quickly changing needs, and whether the manpower is in place — available — to step forward at virtually a moment’s notice if a bigger volume of need presents itself than what had been estimated.

Being prepared involves much more than having a well-stocked building of adequate size ready to open its doors to the homeless or unsheltered.

Praise and congratulations are in order over the fact that not only is Altoona reportedly prepared to handle the estimated volume of need as winter continues, but seems even to have cold weather-related loose ends resolved that might otherwise prove difficult for the homeless and for those trying to help them.

Nevertheless, there no doubt still is room for concerned area residents to offer help, whether it be in the form of monetary contributions or by way of certain other items.

Good advice is for those interested in helping to get in touch with one of the sponsoring entities to ascertain what is most needed and to where the items can be delivered.

Yet, perhaps the most important point of concern is that the homeless know that help is available for them and that they should not be reluctant to pursue it.

Presumably, members of the homeless “community” cross paths during the daylight hours and pass on information to one another by way of word of mouth.

For the benefit of anyone who did not have the opportunity to read the Jan. 16 Mirror article “Coalition launches warming center,” the entities that have dedicated efforts toward helping the homeless or unsheltered this winter are faith-based groups, the city of Altoona, the city fire department, the County of Blair, the county’s Department of Emergency Management and area human service agencies.

According to the Jan. 16 article, the coalition has decided not to publicize the location of its overnight warming center “for the security and safety of the guests and volunteers.”

There is a security presence at the center, according to Brian Durbin, co-chairman of the group Hope for the Homeless, whose efforts led to the coalition initiative.

The coalition deserves praise for opting for extra security, even though the center reportedly is located in a city church.

The center has been operating since Jan. 8; the goal is to keep it open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. every night through the end of March.

Its capacity is listed as 20 to 30 unsheltered guests.

After the center closes in the spring, hopefully those who are staffing it will have recorded reliable statistics that will be a true indicator of the scope of the homelessness problem in this county and Altoona.

Whatever the numbers, the statistics will be indicative of reasons to feel proud about what was accomplished in this season whose conditions were not always kind.