Amid bitter cold, Repairers of the Breach extends hours to protect the homeless: "We welcome them in"

MILWAUKEE -- The bitter cold can be dangerous -- especially for those without a home.

The FOX6 Weather Experts said it was expected to be clear and bitterly cold Tuesday night, December 13th -- with temperatures in the single digits and wind chills below zero -- feeling like -15 by morning. We'll see wind chills between -5 and -15 Wednesday, and it'll be even colder Thursday, with morning wind chills in the -25 range.

When it gets this cold, most people can escape to their warm homes, but not everyone has that luxury.

The worst place to be on bitterly cold nights is out in it.

"It was miserable," Brian Brown said. "I didn`t have anywhere to go. Just walking around."

Brown knows the pain of the bone-chilling cold. He used to be homeless in Milwaukee. He eventually found warm shelter and help at Repairers of the Breach. He is now a cook at the shelter, and helps others in need.

Brian Brown

"When they come here, I make them feel warm, welcomed and loved," Brown said.

Repairers of the Breach extended its hours during the bitter cold.

"We greet them, offer them a hot shower, a hot cup of coffee, a hot meal, a sleeping bag, a pillow and a place to sit," Pastor James West, executive director of Repairers of the Breach said.

Repairers of the Breach

Pastor James West

On Tuesday, they were preparing for a busy night -- setting out food, scarves and hats.

On Monday night, December 12th, 12 people passed through the shelter. By Tuesday afternoon, there were more than 100.

"We open our doors and we welcome them in," Pastor West said.

Eleven shelters would be open on Tuesday night in Milwaukee County -- and additional warming shelters are expected to open this week as the bitter cold sticks around.

Brian Brown

Chris Abele

"This time of year, there`s always a spike in demand. If you see people that look like they have a need, call 211," Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele said.

For Brown, the help was critical, as he now works to pay it forward, giving those in need more than a warm meal.

Repairers of the Breach

"They need to be loved. They`re special," Brown said.

Repairers of the Breach, located near 14th and Vliet is open from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. It opens again overnight when temperatures drop.

Repairers of the Breach