Winter Shelter Program Draws 1,400 Volunteers; Starts November 1st

35 FAITH GROUPS, OTHER ORGANIZATIONS PITCH IN

Clark County, WA: For the sixth year in a row, the Winter Hospitality Overflow program will provide emergency shelter at two churches as the weather turns cold and rainy. Those additional shelter beds will be available beginning November 1.

The program is a collaborative effort of the Council for the Homeless, Share, St. Paul Lutheran, St. Andrew Lutheran and 1,400 volunteers, many from more than 35 faith communities.

Since September 1, 2008, more than 800 people calling the Emergency Shelter Clearinghouse were turned away because the existing shelters were full. Many callers started asking about the availability of the winter shelter in September.

Over the winter last season 675 people found haven through the Winter Hospitality Overflow program.

St. Paul in downtown Vancouver will offer beds to up to 24 single men while St. Andrew in Orchards will accommodate single women, couples, and families, up to 42 people.

Those seeking shelter need to call the Emergency Shelter Clearinghouse at 360-695-9677.

Starting November 1, single men seeking shelter in WHO should call the Clearinghouse, rather than contacting Share House directly. The Clearinghouse will take calls from families and couples beginning at 9 a.m. and from single men starting at 11 a.m.

As in past years, the program will be staffed by volunteers. This year, more than 35 groups have pledged to help. New volunteers, groups or individuals, are welcome and donations are also gratefully accepted. Items needed are food, hygiene items such as soap and shampoo, clothing and paper products.

Pearl O’Brien is the WHO Coordinator this year. An AmeriCorps*Vista volunteer, O’Brien joined the Council in September. She can be contacted at 360-699-5106 or by email at who.vista@icfth.com for information about volunteering or donating to the program.