— from Janine Heimerich for the Orcas Interfaith Council of Churches —
The churches here on Orcas have gotten together to provide an overnight Severe Weather Shelter. In a nutshell, the shelter will be:
- Located in the basement fellowship hall at Orcas Island Community Church, with Benson Hall at Emmanuel Episcopal Church as a back-up.
- Staffed by volunteers from the various congregations and other members of the community.
- Open for overnight stays when the temperature is predicted to be 28 degrees or below. (I am using the NOAA website to predict when we’ll be open.)
- Doors open at 6pm. Sign-in will be between 6pm — 9pm (although we’d take people in later if necessary).
- Blankets, sleeping pads provided.
- Hot (oatmeal) breakfast provided.
- Doors close again at 8:30am.
We will be open this TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY nights (Nov. 24 and Nov. 25).
We really just want to spread awareness that it’s available — although I’d be happy to talk to interested individuals about donation/volunteering, as well. Contact janine.heimerich@gmail.com or call 298-0759 for more information or clarification.
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Profuse thanks to the team that made this happen. Wouldn’t it be great if we could move the threshold up to freezing? But way better 28 degrees than nothing. Bravo.
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They need more (chaperon) volunteers, and this shelter can be open every night for all the homeless people, so I hear.
I think this is a wonderful offering, but wonder why you say it will be available the 24th and 25th when the projected forecast is for 32 degrees. Great if you offer it at a warmer temperature, but why not advertise that instead of saying 28 degrees.
Elizabeth — We are trying to give 2 days notice for volunteers and to let folks know we’ll be open. As of a couple of days ago, the NOAA forecast was 25-26 degrees for both nights. Better to be surprised by warmer temps than by colder ones!
Domenic — There are no plans for the shelter to be open nightly. Unfortunately, we don’t anticipate being staffed well enough for that, although it’s a wonderful thought!
This is SO Orcas! Deepest thanks, you all!