The DeKalb County Homeless Shelter is urging people to donate warm winter hats and gloves instead of larger items of clothing, a shelter spokesperson said Wednesday.

More people will be moving into the shelter because of the cold winter weather moving in, and will need more winter clothing.

Currently, the shelter houses about 12 people, said Rachel McKeel, a public relations spokesperson for the shelter.

“There isn’t a lot of closet space right now because we have to make room for people,” McKeel said.

She said there is a homeless problem in DeKalb that many people are unaware of.

“There were about 300 homeless people in the DeKalb area according to an estimate taken last year,” she said.

The shelter, however, will not refuse donations of larger items like coats and hats and suits.

“We wouldn’t turn people away; we’re really happy with anything. Sometimes people bring in loads and loads of clothes, so we’re simply asking for smaller items,” she said.

Another gift the shelter would really appreciate are any plants that people would want to donate. “They brighten up the place and add healthy air to the environment,” she said.

Until Oct. 29, the shelter was located at United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave., but moved to a new home at 316 Sixth St.

To show the public their new location and remind people how lucky they are to have a home, the shelter is presenting a “Count Your Blessings” open house Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. where representatives will be available to answer questions and give tours of the new facility.

The shelter has been in the area for four years. It was started by a group of area churches as a sanctuary for area homeless.

The new facility is a leased property, and includes kitchen and dining rooms that have been added to meet the needs of the shelter.

Anyone who would like to volunteer their time can call the shelter HelpLine at 748-6437.