Milwaukee organizations urge donations as hundreds remain unhoused amid freezing temps

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Temperatures continue to drop which means the need for warmth and shelter for those without homes is rising.

Multiple Milwaukee organizations are focusing their efforts on keeping the unhoused community safe as a major winter storm is set to hit the Midwest this upcoming weekend.

“It’s really important to ramp up the efforts in making sure that people are getting somewhere that can keep them safe when the elements could be dangerous," said Eva Welch, the executive co-director of Street Angels Inc. “We’ve seen a total of 65 people in need and we’re hoping to get as many of them connected to whatever warming spots are available.”

Welch said the nonprofit is working with the Milwaukee County Housing Division to make sure everyone has a spot to go.

"The number one question I hear is if shelter is available," Welch said. "Tomorrow through this evening is going to get really, really cold."

Pat Vanderburgh, the president at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, said they have a handful of beds that are available. 

“So last night we had about 200 men, women, and children in all of our shelters in this building," Vanderburgh said. “They’re just so glad to have a place where they can be safe and warm.”

Vanderburgh added that the organization will do "whatever we need to do" to ensure those in need have a place to stay. 

“The number one priority is to get them out of the cold. We’ll put mattresses on the floor in our lobby, we’ve done that in past winters," Vanderburgh said. "We make capacity, especially in the winter."

During a press conference on Wednesday, Mayor Cavalier Johnson noted that "at the end of the day, we're all in this together."

Right now, there are two open warming shelters -- one at St. Ben's and one at Repairers of the Breach -- both in Milwaukee. 

You can also donate food, winter clothing, blankets, and more to Street Angels. For information, click here.