Macon shelters, centers prepare for increased demand as winter approaches

Leaders at Depaul USA Daybreak and Brookdale Resource Center say shelters are filling up quickly as more people seek relief from the cold.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With temperatures dropping, centers like Depaul USA Daybreak and the Brookdale Resource Center are seeing more people seeking shelter from harsh weather conditions.

Sister Deborah Mallott, Director of Daybreak, says the center has reached capacity almost every day in recent weeks.

“We had a full house this morning and essentially different people,” she said. “So, yes, we have had an increase in people all trying to get out the weather and get warm.”

She expects this trend to continue as the winter deepens. Daybreak is open during the day for those facing homelessness, while overnight stays are available at other organizations such as the Salvation Army, Rescue Mission of Middle Georgia or Brookdale Resource Center.

Alison Bender, Executive Director at Brookdale Resource Center, echoes these concerns.

“Just in the past few days with the hurricane that we are seeing and as well as the weather that we’re having here and the temperature drop,” she said, speaking about the recent uptick in need.

Brookdale has a plan in place for severe weather events, including opening earlier or staying open later to ensure people aren’t forced out into freezing temperatures.

Both organizations say community support is important. Volunteering time or making monetary donations can help shelters continue to provide warmth and safety for vulnerable populations as winter sets in.