Last week's cold weather created changes for Shelter

With the weather forecast predicting daytime high temperatures in the single digits and overnight wind chill values as low as negative 17 last weekend, the Butler Homeless Initiative (BHI) Community Cold Weather Shelter initiated emergency weather operations.  The usual Shelter hours of operation are 6:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. the following morning.
 In addition to providing overnight accommodations, the Shelter opened at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017 and remained continuously open until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018.
The goal of the Shelter is to provide a safe, warm refuge and meals for the most vulnerable Butler County citizens. Anyone who needs shelter for any reason is welcome, including families.  
This round of dangerous cold required us to alter our hours to protect people from life threatening conditions," noted Danica Dickson, BHI Executive Director.  "Our long range dream is to have a year round shelter that is open 24 hours a day.  In the meantime, we will evaluate our hours of operation on a day to day basis through the rest of the winter to be sure we protect those without homes."
Dickson advised that the BHI Cold Weather Shelter is indebted to the First Church of the Nazarene for providing a home for the Shelter and supporting the emergency operations schedule.  
“BHI is very grateful for our wonderful volunteers who staff the Shelter and for the steadfast support of the local community,” she stated.
For additional information about BHI, please call 316-321-1454, visit the Butler Homeless Initiative Facebook page, or the website- www.butlerhomelessinitative.com.