Homeless residents in Hennepin County are encouraged to seek shelter in the winter months. | Pixabay
Homeless residents in Hennepin County are encouraged to seek shelter in the winter months. | Pixabay
The City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota have teamed up in an effort to encourage homeless people in Hennepin County to "come inside" as the winter chill takes its toll.
A handful of state government agencies, nonprofit and philanthropic partners highlight the fact that the largest and safest emergency shelter system is available in Hennepin County. Homeless shelters are imperative amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"These collective efforts have thus far allowed us to avoid the devastating impacts COVID-19 has had on people experiencing homelessness in other cities," officials stated in a Hennepin County press release. "There is existing emergency shelter capacity, especially for women, children and families. Emergency shelters continue to see beds becoming newly available each day, and some go unused each night."
According to the press release, there are 200 current vacancies in lodge facilities that are in partnership with the city. Homeless individuals can locate the nearest lodge and get out of the cold each night.
Single adults are encouraged to call Adult Shelter Connect at 612-248-2350. However, homeless families are encouraged to call the Hennepin County Family Shelter Team at 612-348-9410.
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