The low-barrier Interfaith Winter Shelter opens November 1, 2011.  Five sites and many congregations will facilitate this overnight option for homeless persons who might otherwise not have housing.  Low-barrier means that the individual might not be able to pass a breathalyzer exam, although coherent and not belligerent.  There are rules to the shelter for the protection of those who work the shelter and the clients who stay.

St. Paul Catholic Center again will provide volunteers for the Thursday night shelter held at First Christian Church at the corner of Kirkwood and Washington Streets.  It takes about twenty five persons each night to handle all of the shifts.  Barb Horvath is coordinating all of the volunteer schedule.  Anne McLaughlin and Michael Gastineau are working to provide shift coordinators and the like.

You may sign up as a volunteer at capefrc@gmail.com.

If you are a new volunteer you must participate in a 3-hour training session held at one of these times:  Tuesday Oct 5, 6-9 pm at First Christian Church (Kirkwood & Washington); or Wednesday, Oct 13, 6-9 pm at First United Church (2420 3^rd Street; next to St. Charles and PromptCare); or Sunday, Nov 7, 2-5 pm at the Bloomington Islamic Center (1925 E. Atwater [&Clifton]).

If you are a returning volunteer you must participate in a refresher and updating workshop on Sunday, Oct 24, 2-3 pm at First Christian Church (Kirkwood & Washington).  There is also a “site specific” training at First Christian Church on Sunday, Oct 24 at 3-4 pm.

The shifts are (roughly):

7:00/30-8:30       set up;  the only shift where under-18 can be present

8:30-11:00          opening

10:30-3:00          first night shift

2:30-6:30            second night shift

6:00-7:30            clean up