Volunteers needed to help operate Bellingham’s Severe Weather Shelter as temperatures drop
As the temperatures drop over the next several months, Whatcom County Health and Community Services needs volunteers to help operate Bellingham’s Severe Weather Shelter.
“In response to our community’s homelessness crisis and the coming winter season, the Whatcom Volunteer Center is recruiting volunteers for Bellingham’s Severe Weather Shelter, Opportunity Council staff said in a statement. “Volunteers will have a chance to help keep unhoused neighbors safe and warm during dangerously cold weather.”
Between late November and March, the temporary shelter will open to those in need when overnight temperatures are expected to fall to 32 degrees or below in Bellingham. Notices will be sent out 48 hours or more before the Severe Weather Shelter is expected to open.
Lutheran Community Services, in the Central Lutheran Church at 925 N. Forest St., will provide the overnight shelter space for up to 70 people. Whatcom County’s Department of Health and Community Services will operate the shelter.
The Whatcom Volunteer Center, as part of the Opportunity Council, is offering volunteer management, recruitment and support services for the shelter in partnership with the county.
“Volunteers will be helping people in need by serving hot meals, distributing bedding and supplies, and helping to keep the shelter space organized and welcoming. Volunteers will also support periodic trash pickup in the area surrounding the facility,” the statement said.
Volunteers will also receive training in de-escalation and crisis intervention. There will be volunteer opportunities for morning shifts from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. and evening shifts from 5 to 8 p.m.
Volunteers must be 18 or older, complete a background check, and have access to reliable transportation during severe weather events when the shelter may be open.
Those interested in signing up to volunteer at the Severe Weather Shelter can sign up at whatcomvolunteer.org/shelter.
