(Des Moines, IA) -- Preparations have been ongoing for the cold weather ahead, and an anticipated increase in the homeless showing up to shelters.
"We begin hiring additional staff in part-time roles, we get them fully trained, and that way when the cold weather hits, the snow hits, or people start getting sick, we have the appropriate staff-to-client ratio within the building," said Melissa O'Neil with Central Iowa Shelter and Services. She says they're also reaching out for more supplies, for coats, towels, and hygiene products.
She says with changes in the weather, it can still take some time for those living outside to come inside.
"History tells us that it will be forty-eight hours before many of them will seek some sort of refuge," O'Neil said.
O'Neil also says they're anticipating higher capacity with recent ordinances restricting sleeping outside in the City of Des Moines, though no increase has been seen as of yet because of the changes.
O'Neil says they keep five days of food on hand for any influxes in numbers, along with maintaining extra staff if necessary.
She says those that would like to volunteer can sign up at CISS website.