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New low-barrier homeless shelter to help Butte's most needy

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BUTTE — The Butte Rescue Mission’s homeless shelter is ready to open a wing of the shelter designed by short-term emergency stays.

“The city really needs a low-barrier shelter, there’s people simply not ready to get clean and sober,” said Rescue Mission Director Rocky Lyons.

The low-barrier shelter will house up to 16 adults for short-term shelter regardless of their criminal record or if they are under the influence at the time.

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This is unlike the shelter’s restorative program that requires residents to follow strict policies in order to remain.

“Someone staying here may decide they have the strength now to get clean or sober and come over to our restorative program,” said Lyons.

This shelter is designed to bring comfort to people who may be struggling with addiction and other inner demons. It’s a place to provide help for people who are not ready to help themselves.

“There’s a real need for the hardest of the hardest to love. For someone to take them in and make sure that they are safe and warm and they’re fed and they’re out of the weather,” she said.

This low barrier shelter will open Friday at about 5 p.m. and will be first come, first serve.