'Last night, we were beyond capacity': Warming shelters fill up amid dangerous cold snap
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The city and county of Milwaukee braced for another night of dangerous and deadly arctic air on Tuesday, Jan. 16.
At a press conference, leaders with the city of Milwaukee said they will continue their mission to make sure people who are unhoused have a warm place to stay.
The press conference was held at St Benedict the Moor Parish, which is one of several warming centers throughout both the city and county of Milwaukee offering a safe haven to unhoused people from the bitter cold nights.
"At this point, we are really dedicated to make sure no one is outside during this extremely cold weather," said Rafael Acevedo, grant compliance manager for the city of Milwaukee.
The cold snap, going on day three, prompted Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson to urge neighbors to check on each other.
He said, "211 is your friend. Please don’t hesitate to call it because if you are a vulnerable person, or you know somebody who is vulnerable, life can be in jeopardy because of it."
Johnson was joined by a team of city leaders who laid out their plan to provide shelter to people who are unhoused.
"We've relied on existing shelters, and we've added resources in order to make sure we protect lives in this community," said Johnson.
This past weekend, according to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office, three people died due to suspected hypothermia.
"So, we are working to avoid any additional harm among our most vulnerable citizens right here in community," said Johnson.
But despite both the county and city's best efforts, some shelters said they are at a tremendous overflow.
"Last night, we were beyond capacity," said Fr. Michael Bertram, a pastor at St Benedict the Moor Parish.
Father Bertram went on to say despite hitting capacity, they will continue to help those in need of shelter.
"We will work with other shelter agencies throughout the city in order to find a place that does have some availability."
According to the city of Milwaukee, more than 200 people have sought shelter since the cold snap.
According to IMPACT 211, more than 330 calls have been made asking for help and resources.