Iowa rescue mission turns thrift store into 46-bed shelter, frees space for 25 beds

As winter approaches, a rescue mission in Dubuque, Iowa, is making a major change to its downtown operations to create more emergency shelter space. The Dubuque Rescue Mission plans to close its downtown thrift store and convert the retail floor into a 46-bed emergency shelter for men. The move is also expected to free up another space that can be used by Opening Doors, a local organisation serving women and children experiencing homelessness. According to a report by KCRG, the changes are being driven by rising demand for shelter and concerns about people being left without a safe place to stay during freezing weather.Thrift store space will become emergency shelterThe Dubuque Rescue Mission is preparing to close Thrift Store 1 at 398 Main St.