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Blistering cold slamming businesses, taking a toll on homeless

The major snow storm may be behind us, but the freezing continues -- making it a challenge to get anywhere and presume daily business.

For instance, at Stapleton Floral in South Boston, the weather is taking some of the beauty out of the business.

"It is very difficult for them to park to make their deliveries," said Maria Tsaousidis of the flower shop. "It has been a very difficult time."

Postal workers are also navigating these icy conditions -- as their usual routes are now covered in ice. The postal service said snow is one thing, but ice is a different animal. They're urging customers to help by putting down what they can to prevent slipping.

But that might be a problem, too. Many stores are running out of ice melt for people to use for their stairs and walkways. In fact, Economy Hardware True Value store in Southie had to call in an emergency order after running out.

"We've been trying to keep it in but as fast as it comes in, it goes right back out," said Anthony Viscione, who works at the store.

The cold isn't just impacting businesses, it's also hitting the homeless in a major way.

On Tuesday in Cambridge, the mayor rolled out a program that raises money to buy hundreds of sleeping bags for the homeless.

For five years running, Mayor McGovern has raised funds to buy blankets and sleeping bags for Cambridge’s homeless residents. This year, he worked with residents and local businesses (Harvard and MIT) to raise nearly $30k --- the most ever.

He will be distributing 400 sleeping bags to Cambridge-based non-profits and shelters including Salvation Army, Albany Street, Warming Center, Y2Y, First Parish and others. They also distribute some directly from the Mayor’s Office.

For those who choose not to use the shelters, and even for those who do, this is a needed service to keep them warm at night. Though housing would be preferred, the Mayor has been trying to prevent suffering for the most vulnerable residents.

'We know this is not going to solve homelessness," said Cambridge Mayor, Marc McGovern. "But while we are doing those long term solutions, there are people cold tonight and people that are hungry tonight."