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It's the second year for Bozeman's Warming Center for the homeless located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.

For people looking for shelter, the center offers more than just a warm place to spend the night.

"This place comes in handy," said Dean who stays at the warming center.

Dean is one of the many regulars at the center.

"I've been here every night for two months, since Thanksgiving," he said.

That's when the warming center opened its doors for the season. The center averages 11 guests each night and so far has served more than 50 people.

"I figure there's worse places to be down and out," said Earl Henderson, another regular at the center.

Earl was working in Williston, North Dakota when his luck changed.

"I went to visit my brother in Salt Lake City and on the way back I broke down," he said.

Now, without the money to get his truck fixed, Earl spends his nights at the warming center while looking for a job during the day.

The warming center opens at 7 p.m. When it's dark, a bright light located outside the center serves as a beacon, helping men and women find their way to the center.

"When they come in they sign the registry," warming center coordinator Kim Wattam said. "What we provide is an environment that's safe so that you can lay your head down and get a good night's rest so you can step out tomorrow very positively."

Kim, once homeless himself, knows how important it is to have a place to stay.

"If you know where you can go to stay warm, be safe and wake up the next day, you have a chance to step forward and do something for yourself," Kim said.

Kim and other staff members and volunteers counsel guests about available services, offer friendly advice, but sometimes the greatest gift they have to offer is a friendly face and an open mind.

"Sometimes all you need is somebody to treat you with courtesy and know that we're the same," Kim said.

Meanwhile, Earl hopes to find a job and get back on his feet soon. As for Dean, he'll likely spend his nights here until the warming center closes its doors for the season.

"(If it) wasn't for this place I'd be sleeping in my van," Dean said.

The warming center needs volunteers if it is going to stay within budget and stay open until the end of March.

Click here for more information on becoming a volunteer.