GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — The temperatures are dropping and St. John’s Ministries two seasonal emergency shelters of last resort are open in Green Bay.
Both the men’s and women’s shelters opened on November 1. St. John’s Ministries executive director, Jesse Brunette, says there’s an increased demand.
“For the first three nights, between the men’s and women’s shelters we sheltered 83 people per night,” said Brunette. “Last year through the first three days we were only sheltering 71.”
Two years ago saw a total of over 600 individuals served throughout the entire 6 month season, last year saw 660, this year it’s predicted they will serve around 700 people.
“It’s important that we understand mental health and substance addiction, because that’s a huge crisis in our local community,” said Brunette. “When you combine that with the affordable housing crisis; that’s what is driving a lot of our numbers.”
With the increase in demand for services comes the need for additional employees. Brunette says there’s no ‘magic number’ for how many people are needed on payroll; but it has more to deal with who can work, and when they’re available.
“We need people providing support, intake for guests, security,” said Brunette. “We can offer 4-8, and sometimes up to 10 hour shifts, so we are very flexible with hours.”
Volunteers are also needed to help provide meals, assist with laundry, work shelter offices, and more.
The shelter season ends April 30.
For more information on St. John’s Ministries shelters, click here.
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