Shelter program ready for cold winter nights
Sonoma Severe Weather Shelter, begun last year in response to the extremely cold weather that hit Sonoma Valley in December, has again committed to providing a safe, warm, dry shelter for the homeless during the winter months. Shelter wull be made available when the temperature dips falls to 32 degrees or if rain is predicted with 40 degree temperatures
Friends in Sonoma Helping of Sonoma Valley and SOS have provided the leadership for the program, and the Sonoma Valley Churches have agreed to open their doors to shelter the homeless. Each night a different church will open its doors and welcome those in need.
SSWS is an all-volunteer organization and depends upon community volunteers to staff the shelter. It is projected that over 40 volunteers will be needed to staff the shelter for four months. There are a variety of volunteer positions but the current need is for shelter hosts, who greet the homeless, serve a hot meal and distribute mats and blankets.
There are two shifts of shelter hosts with one shift from 5:30 p.m. to midnight and the other from midnight to 7 a.m. Drivers, driver’s assistants and help with laundry are other volunteer positions are available. The next training for SSWS volunteers will be held on Monday, November 17 at Sonoma United Methodist Church, 109 Patten St. The training will begin at 7 p.m. and provide an overview of the service and training for specific positions. For more information contact [email protected].
“SSWS wants to thank the churches who have agreed to open their doors and Impact 100 for its generous support of the project,” said Sandy Piotter, executive director of FISH.
Although severe weather is not anticipated for November, the group is ready to respond whenever cold weather occurs, she said.
