St. Peter’s parish member Chis Grobin is coordinating volunteers to participate in the Rotational Shelter, part of the Interfaith Shelter Network, which will be housed in St. Peter’s Parish Hall for two weeks from November 5-19. Volunteers can sign up for shifts by sending an email to Chis.
They particularly need volunteers to serve as overnight hosts between November 16-18. Prior to their shift, all volunteers receive training about who the shelter serves, the challenges these individuals face, and how to be an active listener for their concerns.
The Rotational Shelter Program is the hallmark of the Interfaith Shelter Network. Over 70 congregations, of all denominations, host the program at their facilities for 2-4 weeks a year while another 50 congregations serve supporting roles such as providing meals, hosts, transportation, and funds. Shelter guests are first screened by local social service agencies to ensure the absence of drug, alcohol, or mental health issues. Guests must also agree to work with the referring social service agency to take steps to address problems that led to their homelessness. On average, 12 guests are hosted at rotating congregation facilities. Guests may stay up to eight weeks in the network, although most stay fewer than six weeks. Please consider getting involved in this important program.