December ends on frigid note, homeless in Milwaukee become more at risk

MILWAUKEE -- December is ending on a frigid note. It comes as a shock to the system for some people, especially the homeless, because we've had above average temperatures for most of the month.

This New Year's Eve, police officers will be looking for drunk drivers on the roads, rowdy patrons on the streets and people who are in danger from the cold.

Homeless in Milwaukee

"We can see the people at like 8, 9, 10:00 at night wandering around. And I'll pull up and start talking with them to see if they are homeless," said Milwaukee Police Officer James Knapinski.

Knapinski is co-founder of the Milwaukee Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team. He said if the homeless won't let him take them to a shelter, he goes into his bag.

MPD Homeless Outreach Team

"Lots of warm gloves," said Knapinski.

He also gives them socks, hats and blankets -- all from donations.

Shelters with available beds are ideal. But many are full, providing only a warming shelter like at Repairers of the Breach.

Repairers of the Breach warming shelter

Repairers of the Breach is a day shelter. But when temperatures dip to ten degrees or below, it reopens at 8:00 p.m. until the next morning.

Repairers of the Breach

"Two years ago, I think we had a record 51 nights open," said Pastor James West, executive director for Repairers of the Breach.

West said winter is a busy time, but a rewarding time assisting homeless people he might not otherwise meeting.

"I gain their trust this way during this cold weather and get some hooked up with our employment center. Get them jobs. This is the time," said West.

Repairers of the Breach is scheduled to be closed on New Year's Day.

Repairers of the Breach