Overnight shelters in Michiana face capacity challenges during freezing temperatures
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Freezing temperatures have increased demand for overnight shelter services, with many facilities reaching capacity as the area’s homeless population seeks refuge from dangerous weather conditions.
South Bend’s weather amnesty program is currently the city’s only emergency overnight shelter, operating from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. and serving 70 to 80 people each night.
“Very rarely are people staying outside in these conditions and even then, we’re coordinating with different outreach agencies to make sure people get the care and services that they need, that they know about options like weather amnesty,” said Carl Hetler, coordinator of Homeless Outreach. “They’re informed about meal sites like Broadway Christian Parish or Lady of the Road.”
The weather amnesty program operates out of the Center for the Homeless with separate facilities for women and their children and men. However, some residents say safety concerns prevent people from using available shelter services.
“I think for mostly women, they don’t feel safe. They don’t feel like it’s a place they can go and be safe. Because women have been assaulted in them,” said Adriene Sloma, a South Bend resident. “There’s not enough volunteers, you know, to keep everyone safe. They’re overcrowded.”
Sloma said some individuals choose to remain outside because homelessness is familiar to them.
Hetler said the city is working toward providing more support for the unhoused population, particularly longer-term recovery solutions and housing.
“We find that housing is healing. And then when we start by providing housing for people, it gets them off the street. It allows them to address whatever mental health or substance issues they’re dealing with,” Hetler said.
Outreach teams distribute physical health materials and connect people with available services. Sloma said unhoused individuals need to want to get better, but believes more resources for the city and shelters are necessary.
For more information on warming centers around Michiana, click here.
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