Indigenous-led warming center offers shelter during subzero temperatures in Minneapolis

The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center in south Minneapolis is operating a warming center that provides food, clothing and overnight shelter during subzero temperatures, according to MPR News. The center offers 20 beds overnight in response to extreme winter weather and has been open since last year.

CEO Ruth Buffalo told MRP News the center also hosts “Resource Connect” every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering breakfast, lunch and on-site housing support services after receiving $100,000 in emergency funding from the city of Minneapolis last year. Buffalo said the center has seen up to 200 people on Tuesdays with the addition of a mobile medical unit that provides basic checkups, exams and referrals.

Buffalo said the funding was projected to last one year and has now ended, and the organization has applied for additional grants to continue services. She said the center is open to anyone in need and relies heavily on volunteers to operate.