Unsheltered people head to St. Ben's to escape cold, warming center to remain open 24 hours through Jan. 25

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With extreme cold headed our way, warming shelters in Milwaukee are opening their doors for the city’s most vulnerable population.

Typically open for a limited number of hours, St. Ben’s Parish -- located at 930 W. State Street -- will now be open 24 hours a day through Sunday, Jan. 25, to help people get out of the cold.

“Cold weather is dangerous and we want to make sure people are safe,” said Kenneth Howard, the assistant director at St. Ben’s.

Fresh popcorn and warm drinks greet the guests inside.

“We want to treat them with dignity, and it’s cold outside. Let’s just look at it from that standpoint. People need to be inside,” said Howard.

It’s a break from the bitter cold as temperatures continue to dip.

“Oh yes, every day. Sitting outside for even five minutes is terrible,” said an unsheltered woman staying at St. Ben’s who chose not to share her name.

Around 6:30 p.m., guests can sign up for cots at the shelter. The shelter will have 70 cots available -- 50 for men and 20 for women.

“So basically, this gonna be a place for folks to drop in, they can get warm really quick. And then we have guests who are registered to stay overnight, and they stay overnight as well,” said Howard.

For those who are unsheltered, St. Ben’s is more than just a warming shelter.

“Like you’re at home. Like you matter,” said the unsheltered woman. “We all have our own issues going on, but just to have people spare time out of their day to help us is always a great sign.”

It's a place where everyone is welcome.

“There’s still people with genuine hearts out there.”

If you or someone you know needs access to shelter, dial 211 to find the one nearest to you.

For those in need of warm clothing, Capuchin Community Services House of Peace in Milwaukee offers free winter coats. It's located at 1702 W. Walnut Street and open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1 p.m.-3:15 p.m.