Overflow Shelter Open This Evening

Catholic Social Services announced that they will be opening their Overflow Shelter at the Sister Rose House at 71 Division St. in New Bedford.

Nancy Lawson, the Coordinator for Emergency Solutions, told WBSM News they made the decision after seeing this evening's weather forecast.

"We are anticipating that the actual air temperature is going to be at or below 28 degrees," said Lawson "and so with that we decided to open the shelter."

Lawson says there will be 25 beds and other services available to those who stay at the shelter.

"We are going to provide them with overflow beds and we will be serving them a hot meal as well, and then they'll be able to take showers and get themselves ready for a hot dinner and get ready to have a good night's sleep" said Lawson.

The shelter will open at 6 p.m. and Lawson says transportation will be available for those who are unable to get to the shelter on their own.

"Anyone that needs transportation it will be provided," said Lawson "the pickups will be at Mechanics Lane Mobile Ministries at 6:15 p.m. and it will be going directly to Division St."

Lawson says there will be 25 beds available and they will be filled on a first come first serve basis.

Those planning to use the shelter are being asked to contact 1-800-HOMELESS for further directions and information on transportation to the shelter if needed.

Even though the shelter will be staffed Tuesday night, Lawson says they are still looking for volunteers and those interested in doing so are being invited to attend a training on Nov. 29 from  6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Sister Rose House located 71 Division St. in New Bedford.