The Open Door Mission says it expects record numbers in its emergency shelter this winter.
Officials there say they're seeing a significant increase of untreated mental illness and addiction among those coming to the shelter.
They say the shelter has been operating at double capacity all year, with higher numbers of people seeking shelter than ever. With capacity already high, they're still expecting a normal 50% increase during the winter.
To keep up with the demand, they say they're expanding the number of beds at their shelters and partnering with a local hotel to offer housing for intact families.
With cuts in funding, the Mission is asking for help from anyone willing to donate.
"There's a significant reduction in funding availability," CEO of Open Door Mission Anna Valeria said. "So funding is a huge need. All the construction we're doing over at 156 North Plymouth for the new beds we're doing again from the generosity of this community. There's no funding available for this kind of thing. And even as we get into warming center season, those funds are significantly reduced this year."
Meanwhile, if you'd like to help in other ways, the Mission is always accepting cold-weather clothing items as the winter approaches.