Milwaukee warming shelters prepare as frigid temps expected

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As temperatures are expected to drop, many homeless people in the city of Milwaukee will be out in the frigid weather. There are several warming shelters where they can find refuge. 

The warming shelter at Repairers of the Breach, located at 1335 West. Vliet Street, will be open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. 

"It’s so important because we still have people who are outside and of course they could freeze to death,” Executive Director Rev. Robert James West Jr. said.

They also have a daytime shelter that opens at 7 a.m. 

The shelter serves lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. 

Repairers of the Breach Executive Director, Robert James West, says because of COVID capacity rules, the have had to add living spaces to several floors instead of just the one they typically have at the shelter. 

West says it's critical to get people out of the cold, but their mission impacts more than just that. 

"They could freeze to death, but there are so many dynamics too," said West. "Not only does the weather affect those who are outside. Let’s say for instance the police. While they’re patrolling and upholding the law they also have the responsibility when they see a homeless person out in that freezing cold to get them to a shelter. We have a warming room that they can just drive up that they can drop them off here with us. It leaves them less time doing social work."

If you know someone who needs a warm place to stay you can dial 2-1-1. Walk-ins are welcome.