The Iowa City Council approved a $100,00 financial contribution to Shelter House, a local shelter for people experiencing homelessness, to add an additional winter shelter during the coldest months of the year.

The financial contribution will ensure the winter shelter is always staffed with workers qualified to handle crisis situations, such as violent outbursts or substance abuse.

“The city hopes that it provides the necessary shelter for people during our coldest months and also provides a stable place and a safe place, and staff that can handle any type of crisis situation that comes up,” said Tracy Hightshoe, director of Iowa City’s Neighborhood Development Services.

The winter shelter will also ensure better safety for the broader Iowa City community, Hightshoe said. Hightshoe said Shelter House often receive 911 calls for trespassing during winter months. She said the shelter will not only keep people safe but conserve city resources because of a decrease in 911 calls for disturbances.

“It’ll save people’s lives [and] It’ll provide more space and we don’t have to worry about somebody’s medical condition — that they’re out in the cold,” Hightshoe said.