The Great Falls Rescue Mission is gearing up for the winter months and is looking for donations. The shelter needs more blankets, heavy coats, heavy gloves and socks.
The winter season normally puts unique constraints on the shelter. When temperatures drop each year, staff members let more people inside at night to keep them from freezing. But with coronavirus cases rising in Cascade County and staffing challenges, the shelter is working with the Cascade City-County Health Department to figure out how to safely prepare for winter this year.
Enrollment has also dropped during the pandemic, which has helped with space constraints. On average, there are 20 women who stay overnight and 50-60 people in the men and family shelters, according to Jeremy Trebas, operations director.
Even during the pandemic, he said there are lots of things people can do to help. "We've kind of suspended most of our volunteer positions for now," he said. "I think the most practical thing I can suggest is go to our website and check out our current needs list."
The shelter is also looking for canned good, hand soap, Ziploc bags, and much more. Click here to visit the website and see the complete list.
