Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The new homeless warming center in downtown Rochester is now fully staffed.

Catholic Charities has hired Tricia Kramer to serve as the center’s full-time coordinator to oversee day-to-day operations. Her duties also include the recruitment, screening, and training of volunteers. In addition, three nightshift managers have been hired by Catholic Charities to supervise the volunteers and help address the needs of the homeless individuals being housed at the center.

A news release also indicates the construction work needed to convert the space in the former strip mall next to the Olmsted County Work Release Center is expected to be completed by the end of the week. That will allow the newly hired staff to undergo onsite training before the center opens its doors in mid-December.

The City of Rochester and Olmsted County provided funding to establish and operate the warming center during the coming winter but Catholic Charities is conducting fundraisers to continue operations in the future. The Mayo Clinic is currently offering to match donations up to a total of $25,000. More information is available at the Catholic Charities website.

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