Repairers of the Breach emergency overnight shelter reopens after near week-long closure

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The emergency overnight shelter at Repairers of the Breach is back open after COVID-19 forced a shutdown.

It reopened Wednesday night, Jan. 6.

The Emergency Warming Room was closed for nearly one week, and they were also unable to accept clothing donations.

"It's been tough. We've been very busy. We are definitely front line workers and essential workers because the people need us," said Repairers Executive Director Rev. James West.

West said four people usually work the overnight shelter and two were out with COVID, as well as the person running the clothing donations.

With three people recovering, he said shutting things down was the safest decision to prevent the spread of the virus.

The emergency shelter opens when temperatures are 32-degrees or below.

It's only for adults and is open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and West said they typically serve 20 to 30 people per night.

"If we can't serve the people in the best way we can I have to make the decision to maybe scale back on some things but I'm glad that we're back open now," he explained.

As of today, Repairers is also accepting clothing donations.

West said they are in need of essential winter items for their guests who don't have the proper protection from the cold.

The non-profit helps the homeless community around greater Milwaukee.