Central Iowa Shelter and Services, the largest homeless shelter in Des Moines, has activated its weather amnesty program to address increased demand during the heat wave. The facility, which typically accommodates 150 people, expands its capacity to 275 during such events.
Meeting the Rising Needs
Melissa O’Neil, CEO of Central Iowa Shelter and Services, said the demand usually rises a few days into a heat wave. “People will start utilizing shelter and start coming in more regularly for showers and for hydration. So it really probably won’t be until tomorrow that we start to see a real elevation within our shelter numbers,” O’Neil said.
She also encouraged people to seek safety during the extreme heat. “Please seek shelter out of the heat, out of the elements, to make sure you have basic needs taken care of,” O’Neil said.
Last year, Polk County announced a three-year investment to help Central Iowa Shelter and Services with extra costs during extreme weather. The shelter is currently collecting donations for water bottles, bug spray, sunscreen, and personal hygiene products.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
