The Dubuque Rescue Mission is set to close its downtown thrift store on October 3 to repurpose the space as an emergency shelter that can accommodate 46 men each night. This decision is driven by a surge in demand for shelter, as the area faces increasing unsheltered homelessness, with meal requests doubling from 2,500 to over 5,000 monthly.
Rev. Samuel Felderman, the mission’s executive director, explained that transforming retail space into a shelter involves navigating complex fire, safety, and zoning regulations to ensure the environment is secure and comfortable. This change will also benefit the wider emergency housing network in Dubuque; moving men into the thrift store allows the mission’s warming center to be allocated to families in need through another local nonprofit, Opening Doors, adding 25 beds for women and children.
Last winter, both shelters had to turn away individuals seeking refuge from the cold due to limited space, prompting this initiative to expand local capacity by up to 50 beds. To support this project, the Rescue Mission is seeking $200,000 from the community by the end of October for construction and operational costs, and they encourage donations and volunteer support.
Community members can send donations to 398 Main St., Dubuque, IA, or contribute online through the Dubuque Rescue Mission’s website.
