Big Sky Times

As winter approaches in Bozeman, Jenna Huey, warming shelter manager of the Human Resources Development Council, recently said there are at least 50 to 80 people currently sleeping sleeping in campers, RVs and tents around town that will need a place to stay.

Huey expects there to be increased demand for entrance into her warming shelter, which could put stress on the shelter's ability to help everyone, she said, according to NBC Montana.

“There are at least 50 to 80 people sleeping in campers and RVs across town right now, and as winter approaches, we're expecting a lot of them to come into the shelter if their vehicles are not weatherized," Huey said. "We want to make sure that when folks come in this winter, that everything is clean and organized and welcoming for them to be able to come into the space."

Temperatures are supposed to dip into the 20s this weekend in Montana, so the shelter will be opening as individuals search for a safe place to be, especially at night.

During the summer, the shelter was able to take in 80 guests a night. It can hold up to 120 people at a time and the staff are preparing for increased demand as snow becomes imminent.

“I love being here because the great people that have welcomed me here with open arms, you know and show me love," Warming Center employee Chris Mclennan said, according to NBC Montana. "This is a great place to find yourself; you can change your life here. It's a hand up, you know, it really is."

Though the center is staffed by experienced members who have been there for years, the center still needs the community's support to help provide resources to the individuals that need the shelter.

“In addition to in-kind donations like cleaning supplies and hygiene supplies, financial donations are also really, really important to help us to keep the facility in the best possible shape that we can and then the safest and most supportive way for our guests," Huey said.

Contingency plans are being put in place in the event that the shelter isn't able to accommodate all the people that need the shelter this winter season.