As many Louisville businesses closed their doors in preparation for Winter Storm Blair, one South End restaurant opened itself to community members impacted by the extreme weather.
Dung Tran, owner of The StrEatery in Beechmont, converted the 6,500-square-foot food hall into an emergency shelter and warming space for those needing an escape from the nearly 9 inches of snow that fell over Louisville from Sunday to Monday.
When Tran heard about the storm, he knew local shelters would quickly reach capacity.
“I wanted to open my doors, since we were closed, to make sure we get some of the local people that are in need around here some shelter,” Tran said.
Dung Tran, owner of The StrEatery, poses with sign welcoming anyone who is need of a warming center or needs a place to sleep in the cold weather. Monday, January 6, 2025
The StrEatery owner didn’t work alone. The entire community has come together to help the emergency shelter set up and stay open, he said. He’s received donations from the Southend Street Angels and other local organizations to help bring in beds, air mattresses, clothing and blankets for those in the shelter. Tran’s staff and nearby residents have also volunteered at the temporary shelter, preparing meals and helping welcome people in through the extreme weather.
“We’re just blessed that we have a lot of neighbors that even stay the night to watch over people that are coming through the middle of the night,” Tran said.
The temporary shelter was originally supposed to run until 9 a.m. Tuesday morning, but Tran said with temperatures expected to drop near zero on Wednesday and Thursday, he’s considering extending it through the week.
“I wouldn’t feel right telling everybody, ‘Hey, time’s up — you’ve got to go, this isn’t a hotel,’” Tran said. “This is helping people.”
Alex Lee relaxes inside The StrEatery on Monday, January 6, 2025. Lee, who is homeless, was using the outreach offered by the restaurant to those in the area who are unhoused or without power.
Staying closed is costly for Tran and his employees, but helping serve the community comes first, he said.
“There’s no money to be made,” he said. “We don’t do this for money, we make zero dollars. We’re actually out of money because we have to pay all the overhead — heat, rent, water, stuff like that.”
Amanda Mills, founder of the Southend Street Angels, said it’s been all hands on deck in the community to help open and stock several emergency shelters, including at The StrEatery.
“It’s been truly magical just to see the community come together and a business owner willing to open their doors and utilize their facility, even when they’re not able to open for operations,” Mills said.
Southend Street Angels has partnered with two other emergency overnight shelters at the Voice of Truth Church and VFW Post #1811 in Valley Station, as well as a daytime warming center at Hope International Church. All three locations will stay open throughout the week as temperatures drop.
Mills said she’s been grateful for the outpouring of support for the temporary shelters over the past two days and that those interested in getting involved or donating can find more information on the organization’s Facebook page: facebook.com/southendstreetangels.
“The community really has to come together,” Mills said. “Sometimes we can’t wait on government officials and things like that, because those things take time. We get it, but we want to make sure that we are able to step up as a community when the need arises. And this time around, it has been a truly beautiful thing.”
Reach reporter Keely Doll at kdoll@courierjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville restaurant converts to pop-up shelter during winter storm