'They can come here, we'll make room': Milwaukee's warming centers prepare for high demand this week with frigid weather
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Milwaukee's warming centers have been busy all winter, and especially high demand is expected this week with extremely low temperatures.
Several warming centers are adjusting their hours to adapt to the frigid weather.
"I've just started working with the staff about asking them to come in early," said Kenneth Howard, the site manager of St. Ben's Winter Warming Center in downtown Milwaukee.
The center serves more than 70 people nightly, typically from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m.
During dangerous temperatures, they plan to be open 24/7, as needed.
"We can't allow people to be in cars; we can't allow folks to be sleeping under bridges," Howard said. "We want people to know they can come here, we'll make room, we'll be safe. The key thing for them is to be safe."
Repairers of the Breach is doing the same.
The shelter on 14th and Vliet typically closes daily from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Through the winter, but when it's below zero, guests are welcome at all hours.
The center typically serves more than 140 people throughout the day, and sleeps 50 people at night.
"Tonight we might have to bend a few rules and find a few extra corners, because you can't leave anyone out in weather like that," said the executive director, Reverend James West Jr.
Guests at Repairers of the Breach had a special treat on Monday: The Milwaukee chapters of Top Ladies of Distinction and Alpha Kappa Alpha served comfort food at the shelter for their 23rd annual MLK Day of Service.
"We definitely have served about a hundred people, if not more, today," said Dara Atandare, president of Top Ladies of Distinction's Milwaukee chapter. "We wanted it to be a day about them, and to give them that extra care, and embrace them."
It's a reminder to those in need that the centers are available for them, and people do want to help.
"If you're out there, don't let your pride keep you out there. Come into one of the warming shelters," West said. "Get properly dressed, place to sit down, rest, and warm up, even in the midst of whatever journey you're headed, come in."
Anyone in need of shelter is encouraged to call 211.
Milwaukee's warming shelters are always accepting donations of winter wear like hats, gloves, scarves, boots, along with monetary donations towards heat and food costs.
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