Seasonal shelter opens, needs workers
The Mankato Salvation Army’s seasonal shelter for men is up and running, just in time for winter.
The Army opened the men’s shelter Tuesday, Nov. 8. Six staff members are working extra hours to run it, but they do need to hire more people.
“We wanted to be able to hit the ground running with a full-time staff but that just wasn’t possible,” explained Leslie Nibbe-Johnson, Mankato Salvation Army program coordinator. “We’re actively looking for three more employees, but the six we have agreed to work a few extra hours until we find some more help.”
The shelter needs two people to work an overnight shift, 1:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Another employee is also needed as a fill-in position to cover other staff for vacation and sick time.
Shelter guests will need to abide by new rules this year. There is a zero tolerance policy for alcohol, so anyone who smells of alcohol or is intoxicated will not be able to stay the night. Also every person who stays at the shelter for a week or more will be required to have a case management plan, created with the help of a Salvation Army social worker.
“They’ll have to tend to any health needs, get a haircut, look for a job, get a current ID, things to better themselves from the situation they’re in,” explained Johnson. “If they choose not to set up a plan then they’ll have to find another place to stay.”
Budget restrictions only allows the shelter to remain open from November through March, and can accommodate up to 33 men. The shelter is open seven days a week from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m., residents receive a hot shower, dinner, and access to laundry facilities.
Last year, the shelter provided services to 129 men.
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering or making a donation to support your local community today.