As the cold weather settles in, it’s not just roads and rooftops feeling the impact, local homeless shelters are preparing for what could be a busy winter.
Staff have already seen an increase in the number of people coming through their doors each night. In fact, they’ve been near capacity for the past few weeks and with temperatures dropping, they’re preparing to expand spaces if needed.
As temperatures take their first sharp drop of the season, the Upper Room Erie Shelter is already feeling the pressure.
One staff member who spends most days at the shelter, Jwon Akins Holland, said they expect demand to continue rising as winter sets in. They’re preparing now to make sure everyone in need has a warm, safe place to sleep.
Akins Holland explained that as a 100% nonprofit and one of the only shelters in the area that accepts both men and women with a no-turn-away policy and meeting that demand isn’t always easy. She shared what staff must do when they reach full capacity.
Employees said their goal is not only to provide shelter, but to make Upper Room feel as much like home as possible.
Akins Holland also said this will be Upper Room’s final year at its current location. The organization plans to move into a larger facility next year to better serve the community.
Shelters across Erie shared that they are always looking for donations especially for items like gloves, coats, hats, scarves, and winter boots.