EBS STAFF
As snow flurries stick to the ground in Bozeman, the Human Resource Development Council announced that it’s preparing for increased use of emergency shelters this week due to cold temperatures. HRDC’s Bozeman emergency shelter sees an average of 90 nightly guests, according to a Nov. 18 HRDC press release, but an additional 100 unsheltered individuals live in and around the city. The current overnight shelter run by the Gallatin County nonprofit has a 100-bed capacity.
“For folks whose campers or cars are not weatherized to withstand extreme temperatures, or for those who have been camping in tents, we are able to provide a warm, safe alternative year-round, and especially during inclement weather,” stated Jenna Huey, HRDC’s emergency shelter services manager, in the release.
Brian Guyer, HRDC’s emergency and supportive housing director, explained that rising costs have forced individuals to find “unconventional ways to address their basic needs.”
“Given the demand for overnight services during the shelter’s summer season, we believe we could reach our maximum guest capacity during the upcoming winter months,” Guyer stated.
Both Guyer and Huey are working on plans with community partners if or when the shelter can no longer meet the demand for services. “HRDC is currently seeking organizations or faith-based facilities that would be willing to share their space to help accommodate guests when the need for overflow shelter arises,” the release stated.
Monetary support and donations are encouraged to help guests dealing with colder temperatures, HRDC stated. HRDC does not accept general clothing donations but is currently accepting warm coats, gloves, hats, long underwear, hand warmers and cleaning.
The emergency shelter hours are 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. with check-in between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.
