Warming shelters getting ready to provide services as bitter cold makes its way into Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For those without a home, the bitter cold can be life-threatening. Warming centers across Milwaukee County are making sure anyone who needs a place to stay has access to one.

Kenny Howard has one mission – to make sure everyone without shelter has a place to stay.

“We’re gonna have to be creative, but we’re determined to make this work,” said Howard, the site manager at Capuchin Community Services and St. Benedict the Moor. “We went from 45 men, to now we’re up to about 55, and we’re up to about at least 20 women.”

Capuchin Community Services is just one of many shelters in Milwaukee open as temperatures continue to dip.

“You know, our guests are imposed to the elements and people have actually frozen to death,” said Howard.

The Milwaukee Department of Health and Human Services says street outreach teams are working to find people shelter. The Milwaukee Fire Department has two vehicles dedicated to transporting people from the cold to nearby shelters.

“I mean, these temperatures are nothing to play with and we really want to express to folks to get inside as soon as possible so you can stay safe,” said Howard.

Once shelters reach capacity, DHHS says public spaces such as libraries will be used to house people overnight. Outreach teams will be providing bus passes to people to help them get to public spaces.

”The elements, you know, can actually hurt and kill someone. You know, we have guests who are walking around right now trying to get out of the elements, they’re getting frost bitten,” said Howard.

Howard says as long as Capuchin has space and there is a need, they will be available.

“Lives are important, so we don’t really look at capacity,” said Howard.

He says while shelter is always needed, for unhoused Milwaukeeans in this weather, shelter can be lifesaving.

“Hopefully through prayer, support, understanding, we can make those dreams come together,” said Howard.

If you or someone you know needs access to a shelter, call or visit 211 to find one near you.