The Men’s Winter Refuge has closed for the season as a precautionary step in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Executive Director Mike Zimmer. The refuge had seven residents it continued to house after stopping new admissions earlier this month. It now has transitioned residents to a hotel to more effectively practice the recommended shelter-in-place and social distancing.

The closure comes ahead of the usual April 30 closing date. The shelter housed 36 men this winter, the highest number since 2016-17. The majority found sustainable employment and transitioned to permanent housing.

The refuge’s weekly bus runs to the Lord’s Cupboard food pantry will continue every Wednesday. Due to COVID-19, the refuge is collecting identification rather than loading passengers, and boxes of food are returned for each ID.