Resource Center celebrates cold weather shelter’s impact

||| FROM ORCAS COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER |||

The Orcas Community Resource Center is extending heartfelt thanks and support to the Orcas Island Cold Weather Shelter following a season of consistent, compassionate service to islanders facing housing insecurity.

“Operating nightly from Thanksgiving through March was both courageous and compassionate,” said Erin O’Dell, Executive Director of the Resource Center. “Vulnerability does not begin at 32 degrees. For those without adequate shelter, instability and exposure carry risks well before conditions are officially ‘extreme.’”

The shelter’s decision to maintain set hours regardless of outdoor temperatures marked a significant shift from previous years, providing predictability and reliability that proved essential to both guests and partner organizations.

“One of the most impactful aspects was its consistency,” noted Holly Southern, Programs Director at the Resource Center. “Maintaining set hours not tied to outdoor temperatures provided predictability and reliability—essential to safety and dignity for people experiencing housing insecurity.”

Throughout the season, the Resource Center partnered with the shelter through logistical coordination, staffing communication, and direct financial support. The Resource Center contributed $500 per month for shelter meals and funding for new functional fridge and freezer units from its Food Access Program, recognizing that nourishment is as critical to safety and well-being as a warm place to sleep.

Holly also highlighted the value of having a single point of contact at the church, Alicia Wigfield, which streamlined communication, reduced confusion, and enabled faster responses to emerging needs.

The Resource Center also extends deep thanks to the volunteers who showed up night after night—their steady presence made the shelter’s impact possible.

Both Erin and Holly emphasized their commitment to continued partnership with the church and shelter leadership, noting that this season’s collaboration set a strong foundation for the year ahead.

About the Orcas Community Resource Center

The Orcas Community Resource Center helps islanders navigate life’s challenges by connecting neighbors with practical help and trusted guidance. The organization focuses on housing assistance, help accessing medical care, transportation, food, and financial literacy resources. The goal is a healthier, more resilient community where everyone has the tools to weather hard moments and move forward with stability.