Catholic Charities’ Minneapolis-based shelter is operating as a 24-hour warming center this weekend, in an effort to keep more people out of dangerously cold temperatures.

The Higher Ground Minneapolis shelter plans to stay open 24 hours a day until Monday or longer if temperatures remain low, according to Keith Kozerski, chief program officer at Catholic Charities Twin Cities, during an interview on Saturday.

“Starting yesterday afternoon, through the end of the weekend, we’ll be open 24/7 to make sure that our most vulnerable neighbors have someplace safe to be. That means we stay open, provide extra meals, and just support in social activities for people who otherwise would need to be out on the street,” Kozerski said.

Resident Maurice Harmon was among those seeking warmth and food on Saturday, and he emphasized the widespread need for assistance.

“From St. Paul to Minneapolis, there’s individuals that need the help, need the shelter, food, clean water, etc.,” said Harmon.

The more than 200-bed Higher Ground shelter has been operating above capacity well before the cold set in, Kozerski said.

“So last night, we were at our full, even over-capacity capacity, which was 10 mats on the floor… which isn’t the normal dignity we’d like to provide people, but it keeps them alive,” he said.

Catholic Charities also operates two day centers and the Dorothy Day Place shelter in St. Paul. All are experiencing similar capacity challenges, Kozerski said.

“They are. Everybody’s bursting at the seams.”

Asked what’s behind the influx in need, Kozerski said, “You know, I think it’s about really complex stuff. It’s about people that have chronically been homeless. It’s about people who are hitting this tough job market and are laid off and are experiencing homelessness for the first time … and we know that seniors are the fastest growing population within the homeless community.”

Harmon shared his perspective on the situation. “Different reasons that have brought us here, ” he said. “Others, mental health. It’s really bad. I see it a lot. … Some individuals don’t have family, like myself.”

Harmon also expressed concern about public perception of homelessness. “No. It’s, it’s gotten worse, in my opinion. But, like I said, there’s always room for improvement … Open hearts, open minds. Seriously. The world needs more of it,” he said.