EMERGENCY SHELTER UPDATE – 11/30/12

This fall, through an effort by the Missouri Valley Coalition for Homeless People and the faith community, MSA United Way coordinated a system for overflow sheltering during the winter months. The plan was to be prepared if the need arose with our growing population. We are grateful to report that area family shelters have not reached capacity since the project began.

While the homeless population often fluctuates, especially as temperatures fall, it is evident that local shelters can meet the current needs this season. We will continue to keep a close watch of trends in numbers of families being served in order to ensure no one is turned out in the cold.

The Bismarck-Mandan faith community mobilized quickly, and we now know we have the structure in place should it ever become necessary. Through these efforts, awareness was raised and compassion displayed for the homeless. We stress the importance of sending individuals and families seeking shelter to area providers to ensure people’s immediate needs are met, and that they have the opportunity for case management and long-term solutions to become financially stable with permanent roofs overhead.

We THANK YOU for the great amount of time, energy, and thoughtfulness your congregations contributed to make sure our community was prepared.

*Note Regarding Volunteer Registration*

Many people have expressed interest in helping us remain prepared, should the need for overflow sheltering arise in the future. You are still encouraged to register to volunteer, if you are willing to be called to serve on behalf of any church/congregation during the remaining months of winter.