Milwaukee warming sites see surge amid cold weather
Milwaukee warming sites see surge amid cold weather
Warming centers in Milwaukee are filled to capacity and outreach programs say there are more people than ever without a place to get warm.
WAUWATOSA, Wis. - Warming centers in Milwaukee are filled to capacity and outreach programs say there are more people than ever without a place to get warm.
Since 3:45 a.m. Wednesday, Eva Welch has been up, unable to shake the thought that people might be left in the cold. Welch is the co-executive director for Milwaukee's Street Angels. It's a mobile outreach program that serves people without a home.
"We do have concerns for the people that are disconnected," Welch said. "I had an MPD officer call me trying to find warming for people."
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She said in the last two years, they've seen a 120% increase in unsheltered people.
"The increase we’ve been seeing is from tiny children to the elderly," Welch said.
It comes after the organization helped people move out of park and rides earlier this year.
Milwaukee warming shelters open; preparation for influx of people
Many emergency warming shelters opened their doors on Monday, Nov. 25 across Milwaukee.
Welch said some of those people pitched in to get a hotel together to stay warm, but it's the people they lost touch with she worries about.
"Not only may there not be enough room for people, but not everybody knows about the warming rooms," Welch said.
Repairers of the Breach, a warming center in Milwaukee, is seeing an increase too.
Executive director James West said on Wednesday night, they were over capacity.
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"We have all three floors being utilized for our overflow," West said. "Same thing at night."
Both organizations believe higher rent, the economy and COVID-19 assistance programs ending could play a role in increasing numbers.
Warming site locations
- Guest House of Milwaukee – 1216 N 13th Street Milwaukee, WI 53205
- Unity Lutheran Church – 1025 E Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
- St Ben’s- 930 W State Street Milwaukee, WI 53233
- Repairer’s of the Breach- 1335 W Vliet Street Milwaukee, WI 53205
Warming shelters will stay open through March, with hours typically from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Anyone that needs shelter or help is encouraged to call 211.