Volunteers needed for Kingston shelter

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, October 5, 2022

The Kingston Severe Weather shelter needs additional volunteers in order to open this winter season.

First activated in 2013, and now housed at the Village Green Community Center, the shelter is open from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. on nights when Kitsap County’s Department of Emergency Management’s weather prediction includes freezing temperatures, an inch of rain, or an inch of snow in a 24-hour period.

Shelter guests are provided with a safe and warm place to stay, which includes a cot, bedding, shower facility, food and warm beverages. Socks, gloves, toiletries, bus tokens, and gift cards to local eateries are often available, provided by the community through donations to Kingston Cares.

Since shelter season begins Nov. 1, anyone interested needs to respond as soon as possible in order for the shelter to operate this winter. The shelter is operated entirely by volunteers.

A large pool of committed and active workers is necessary since shortages of volunteers often occur due to winter travels, illness and inability to get to the shelter because of weather-related road conditions. Volunteers, working in pairs, fill three shifts of approximately five hours each.

There is an additional morning helper shift from 6-8 a.m. to assist guests in getting on their way and tidying up. At least seven volunteers a night are required. Also needed are additional volunteers with 4-wheel drive vehicles who can transport volunteers to and from the shelter. Onsite training is offered at Village Green, and Kitsap County provides materials. New volunteers are paired with experienced workers. Volunteers must pass a background check.

For details go to kingstoncares.org