— 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.
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.
s
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!