Full Capacity at QC Homeless Shelter - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Full Capacity at QC Homeless Shelter

By Natalie Zarowny
nzarowny@cbs4qc.com

Around wintertime, homeless shelters always see more people.

But for the past few years, it's not just the cold weather that's keeping them full.

"A bunch of what we're seeing here in the past several years has much to do with the economy," said Cathy Jordan, service coordinator for Humility of Mary.

The struggling economy has pushed many folks over the edge into homelessness.

Staff at Humility of Mary said these days, the shelter's at its 82 person capacity most of the year.

"It's a terrible thing, to have to look at somebody and tell them I'm sorry, tonight we don't have an extra place for you to stay," said Jordan.

So what happens to someone if they are turned away?

Humility of Mary relies on a network of other local shelters to help.

Staff will make calls and get addresses of other places someone can go.

"It's a work in progress collaborating with our other agencies to try to help individuals when we're at capacity, finding a place where they can stand to be safe," said Jordan.

For those who do have a spot at Humility of Mary, they said having a place to sleep at night when you're down on your luck, is invaluable.

"This place takes one of the burdens off of, you know, you got a place to sleep tonight, so it's easier and motivating to go out and look for jobs," said Larry, who lives at the shelter.

Staff at Humility of Mary said the best way you can help out, is by donating.

Some of the most needed items are toiletries, winter jackets, and coffee.