Warming Shelter Opens Soon – Volunteer Help & Supplies Are Needed

SOLUTIONS CENTER WARMING SHELTER OPENING NOV. 1

Solutions Center’s warming shelter will open for the season Saturday, Nov. 1, and volunteer help and supplies are needed.

“The warming shelter program was established in 2009 in response to a need identified by a number of community agencies, including law enforcement,” said Executive Director Maggie McCullough. “This program is 100 percent funded through community donations — no state or federal grant funds are available for this seasonal program.”

The warming shelter is open from 6 p.m. until 8 a.m. through March 31, 2015. The shelter, housed upstairs at St. Paul’s Cathedral, sleeps 17. On average, 60 to 70 individuals are served at the warming shelter annually.

Guests are served a warm meal and are provided with a bed for the night. Breakfast is provided in the morning, and light lunches or snacks are sent out with the clients when they leave for the day.

Individuals and groups are once again invited sign up to provide the evening meal. Those bringing a meal should plan on serving 17.

Volunteers are also needed to help serve and clean up after the evening meal and provide company and a listening ear. Volunteer shifts run from 6 p.m. until 9 or 10 p.m.

Storage areas are currently overflowing with toothbrushes and paste, blankets and winter clothing, but many other supplies are needed:

• Paper products (paper plates, paper towels, napkins and toilet paper)
• Cleaning supplies (all-purpose cleaner, laundry detergent, dish soap, toilet bowl cleaner, large garbage bags)
• Food storage items (plastic storage bags of various sizes, brown lunch bags, and plastic food containers)
• Lunch items or snacks (pudding and fruit cups, crackers, granola bars)
• Breakfast items (pancake mixes, syrup, breakfast bars, cereal, peanut butter and jelly, powered coffee creamer)

Monetary donations are also essential.

“Our operating costs run from $25,000-$30,000 for rent, utilities and staff,” McCullough said. “Without the generous support of the entire community, Solutions Center would not be able to provide this program.”

Donations may be brought to Solutions Center’s administrative office, 39 N. Sophia St., during regular office hours. Those wishing to provide a meal or to volunteer, should contact Karla Breister at (920) 923-1743 or [email protected].