Homeless shelters preparing for winter to help those in need

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) – The winter months are settling here in the Red River Valley. While some have a warm home to go to, there are others that are struggling with homelessness and need a place to go to with the temperatures dropping. That’s where homeless shelters come in and help those in need.

“Oftentimes those that are experiencing homelessness can go unseen, unheard,” said Hannah Young, the COO of Churches United. Not only do we try to be advocates on their behalf and offer places to go where people can be heard. And work with case management to try and get towards housing or just be able to navigate the various systems and resources that are available to them.”

Establishments like Churches United are important to helping those battling homelessness, especially as we head into the cold, winter months. Even if the shelters are at full capacity, they can help those in need in other ways.

“May not have a shelter bed available but we can at least offer respite from the elements for people to come in and get a meal. Cup of coffee. Just warm up and be out of it.” said Young.

Help for shelters during these times can come from many sources. This includes groups like these students from Fargo South High School. They showed up at Micah Mission to drop off food, which is vital for the shelter. 

“It is really important to us. We try to do as many community service projects as possible to help the community out and just give back.” said Alex Cossette, a student at Fargo South High School.

It’s an all encompassing effort in the community. United Churches says that one day they hope to see the necessity of shelters to be gone. But for now, they’ll continue to have their doors open and help those that desperately need it.

“It’s a community effort. Not just the shelters, but we as a community coming together to really help our neighbors in need.” said Young.

United Churches says calling 2-1-1 is the best way to start the process and find help.