Reduced capacity
The Manhattan Emergency Shelter recently had to reduce its capacity in order to comply with quarantine and social distancing guidelines meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Despite these changes, Emily Wagner, Executive Director for the shelter, says they are still taking in clients.
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According to Wagner, the moratorium on home evictions has helped keep the number of people in the shelter down.
She says however, that she is worried about what will happen once the moratorium is lifted.
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Wagner says that if the COVID-19 situation reaches a certain point in Riley County, public-quarantine sites may become available, alleviating pressure put on the shelter.
Canceled fundraiser
The Manhattan Emergency Shelter’s 18th annual Bag Lady Auction scheduled for April 25th has been canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The event served as one of the organizations largest fundraisers, bringing in around $30,000 to $35,000.
Wagner says they hope to make up for this loss with donations.
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While they are currently taking donations, Wagner says they are only taking food and cleaning supplies at this time.
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To find out more about donating to the Manhattan Emergency Shelter, visit mesikansas.org.
