OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Metro shelters are rapidly filling up as a strong winter blast is here .

Over capacity and knowing need will only increase as the frigid temps continue; they’re asking for long-term solutions from Omaha and Council Bluffs.

Open Door Mission in Omaha is 42% over capacity in their men’s center. In 2022, they had 48 open beds. A year later they were down to just three open beds. Last year they entered the negatives with -26 beds. This November, they were down to -70 beds.

New Visions in Council Bluffs is over capacity as well. With only 64 beds, they somehow slept 112 people just last night.

“We’re at capacity, and I know that even in Omaha they’re going to hit capacity, and we’re going to be in a space where we’re struggling,” said Dasiti Maddox, New Visions Direct

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