MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — It hasn't been too chilly outside yet, but the cold weather is sure to come as we push further into winter, and Milwaukee's six warming shelters will open soon for the season.

This winter, anyone who enters a Milwaukee warming center will be immediately put in touch with services at the new Coggs Health and Human Services Center.

It's an effort to quickly connect people with long-term housing resources, and lessen the strain on seasonal shelters.

"Warming shelters save lives in the short term, but our ultimate goal is long term housing and stability," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

According to city officials, Milwaukee's warming shelters saw a 36% increase in visitors last season, compared to the 2023-2024 season.

"More than 1,500 people came through the doors of our warming centers, including over 100 children," said County Executive David Crowley at a Friday press conference.

That number is expected to grow this year.

"The economy is changing, inflation, a lot of the COVID-era rent subsidies and stuff like that are run out," said Stephen Bauer, CEO of Guest House of Milwaukee. "We are anticipating more and more folks facing homelessness over the next year."

In response, the city and county will use warming centers to identify newly-homeless individuals.

"What we know is that approximately 30% of the people who come to warming shelters have never been in contact with the human services system," said Shakita LaGrant-McClain, Milwaukee County's Director of Health and Human Services.

She explained that the centers can be an entryway to housing help, connecting people with what DHHS calls  "rapid attachment services."

"This year's in-reach process at the Coggs building - for folks that are experiencing homelessness for the first time - is going to be kind of a quick reaction to help get those people stable, and then continue to open up the warming resources for more and more people," Bauer explained.

They want those in need to feel comfortable using the warming centers, hoping it will lead to further support.

“if you're in a position where you're going to be outside, we want you to come utilize these resources," Mayor Johnson said.

“I think the biggest thing is, don't be afraid to ask for help," Bauer said.

Five Milwaukee warming centers will open for the season on Monday, Nov. 24: 

• Guest House of Milwaukee (men) - 1216 N. 13^th St.
• Milwaukee Rescue Mission (men) - 830 N. 19^th St.
• Joy House (women & families) - 818 N. 19^th St.
• Unity Lutheran Church (singles, co-ed) - 1025 E. Oklahoma Ave.
• Repairers of the Breach (singles, co-ed) - 1335 W. Vliet St.

A sixth center will open on Monday, Dec. 1:

• St. Ben's Parish (singles, co-ed) - 930 W. State St., Downtown

All centers will be open nightly, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. through March 30, 2026.

Click here to learn more about the warming centers through Milwaukee COC.

Click here to visit Milwaukee County DHHS's housing page.