Connections Shelter to remain open year-round, will require additional funding

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Connections Shelter is expanding to year-round services, and needs help making it happen.

Typically the shelter closes for the season in May, but will now operate their night shelter year-round.

Connections is in the middle of a fundraising campaign to fund the effort, which will cost them around $200-thousand.

Shelter leaders said that they’re committed to staying open this year no matter what, and that they hope the extended service will be one more resource for those experiencing homelessness in the community.

“We have noticed over the last several months that the need does not go away during the summer so we’re not going to take the summer off. People still need to be inside and sheltered during those really hot months,“ said the shelter’s Executive Director Jenn Echevarria.

Donations toward the campaign will be matched by various community organizations.

More information can be found on Connections’ website.

Click here to download the KEYC News Now app or our KEYC First Alert weather app.