GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – There are places that those experiencing homelessness can go to escape the cold weather during this Arctic air blast in Northeast Wisconsin.
“That’s the purpose of us existing during the cold weather months, where people have no shelter, getting people off the streets so that they’re safe,” St. John’s Ministries executive director Jesse Brunette told Local 5 News on Thursday afternoon.
Despite a record number of guests needing their services the last two winters, Brunette emphasizes that there are beds available in their overnight shelters for people who need to get out of the cold. The daytime facilities, which usually don’t open on the weekends, will be open on Saturday because of the cold.
“We want people to come to us because it’s better than them being cold on the street,” Brunette said.
Northeast Wisconsin Closings and Delays
He said they’re actively trying to reach out to folks experiencing homelessness to discuss their options during this extreme cold stretch. They also have winter gear available for people in need.
The Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay offers its building as a daytime warming shelter during regular business hours when there are sub-zero temperatures. They have snacks, winter gear, and hand warmers.
Salvation Army officials told Local 5 News that when it gets really cold out, they see more people coming out early to hang out at their building ahead of their daily community meals.
“Not everybody has somewhere to go where they’re not going to be harassed or asked to move, so this is a place where everybody can be welcome, they can relax,” Salvation Army of Greater Green Bay area coordinator Catherine Fitzgerald said.
Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary in Green Bay has also opened up its doors as a warming option for people over the next few days during its regular business hours.
Over 500 coats donated to Menasha’s Community Clothes Closet ahead of bitter cold
Down in the Fox Valley, Pillars and Cots are two of the larger homeless shelters in the area. St. Paul Lutheran Church in Neenah has opened its church as a daytime warming shelter on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
For a full list of Northeast Wisconsin warming shelters, please click here.
