FORT DODGE, Iowa —

Even as overnight temperatures plunged into the double digits below zero, staff at the Beacon of Hope Men’s Shelter in Fort Dodge saw little change in the number of men seeking refuge from the cold.

Director Dan Bidleman expected a busier night given the dangerous conditions.

“We figured last night we would be a little busier, because we are not at capacity. We have room,” Bidleman said.

Bidleman said he is frustrated and saddened that bitter cold alone is not enough to draw more people inside. He believes addiction and mental health struggles often keep men on the streets rather than in a safe, warm bed.

“It kind of hurts our heart a little bit, they won’t set those things aside, at least long enough to get in out of the cold,” he said.

Beacon of Hope operates as

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