St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter in Green Bay as seen on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — In the wake of extreme cold temperatures, St. John’s Ministries is having to adjust their shelter operations.
St. John’s shelters typically operate only during the evening hours; but that can change as extreme weather hits.
“During the day, guests can come into our facilities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to stay warm, get a meal, and connect with case management,” said Executive Director Jesse Brunette. “Then our overnight shelters open at 5 p.m.”
Even those just seeking overnight shelter are encouraged to go to the daytime resource center.
“We can explain the shelter services, and also ways that they can find permanent housing,” said Brunette. “We can also go through the intake process so that when they are presenting for shelter, they don’t have to wait in line sometimes outdoors.”
This season, St. John’s is seeing a record number of people using their shelters. On Sunday night into Monday morning, 101 men stayed at the men’s shelter, and 40 women stayed at the women’s shelter.
Brunette says if the amount of people needing overnight shelter exceeds the amount of people they’re permitted to take, they will work with other shelters and churches to ensure everyone has a safe place to stay.
Community members are encouraged to support St. John’s shelters when the cold hits by either donating money or a meal, as resources are used faster in those times.
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