Area shelters prepare for extreme cold

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - As dangerously cold temperatures set in overnight and into Friday evening, cold-weather resources are more important than ever for those battling homelessness in the community.

Two shelters in Mankato have coordinated with one another to maximize the availability of resources. The night shelter at Connections Shelter is extending their morning hours, letting people stay until 8:30 a.m. this weekend.

That coincides with the Salvation Army opening its day shelter early, also at 8:30 a.m., eliminating the gap for people who need a warm place to go.

“We want to make sure that everyone can be inside and warm as much as possible and that we all understand what’s happening so we can all give out the same information,” Connections Shelter Executive Director Jenn Echevarria said.

Both shelters are also increasing their staffing and offerings during the cold weekend, expecting demand for shelter to spike during what is already a busy winter season.

“It takes some additional manpower, staffing is the primary concern for us,” Captain Andy Wheeler with the Mankato Salvation Army said. “Thankfully we are not limited on space too much, so we don’t have to turn people away, there’s no waiting list or anything like that for us to get into our shelter.”

Connections said that they are pretty close to full capacity, but don’t plan on turning anyone away this weekend.

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