{
  "id": 9626081,
  "title": "Iowa thrift store to become 46-bed emergency shelter for homeless residents",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/iowa-thrift-store-to-become-46-bed-emergency-shelter-for-homeless",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T20:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/an-iowa-rescue-mission-is-closing-its-downtown-thrift-store-and-turning-the-retail-floor-into-a-46-bed-emergency-shelter-the-move-will-also-free-space-for-25-beds-for-women-and-children/articleshow/134455103.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Dubuque, Iowa, the Dubuque Rescue Mission is converting its downtown thrift store into a 46-bed emergency shelter for men to address rising demand for shelter during the winter months. The initiative comes as the mission faces increased demand, with monthly meal demand doubling in the past year and unsheltered homelessness in the county on the rise. The conversion will also free up space at the mission to accommodate 25 more beds for women and children through the local organization Opening Doors. The project, which involves converting the retail floor into a residential shelter while meeting fire, safety, and zoning requirements, aims to provide essential shelter space during freezing weather conditions. With the October 3 closure of the thrift store approaching, the mission is seeking $250,000 in funding to cover construction, beds, and operating costs associated with the new shelter.",
  "summary": "Dubuque Rescue Mission will close its thrift store to create a 46-bed emergency shelter for men. The decision is in response to rising demand for shelter and increased homelessness in Dubuque. The change will free up additional space for women and children with the help of Opening Doors. All donations will be redirected to another thrift store or partner organizations for women's needs.",
  "key_points": [
    "Dubuque Rescue Mission converting thrift store into 46-bed emergency shelter",
    "Initiative addresses rising demand for winter shelter and unsheltered homelessness",
    "Project seeks $250,000 funding for construction and operating costs"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}