KINGSTON — The Kingston Severe Weather Shelter opens for its third year of operation, but in a new location: the Village Green Community Center.

The severe weather shelter opening is determined by the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management, or DEM, and opens when temperatures are below freezing, or one inch of snow or one inch of rain is reported for two days. Those without shelter, and those with homes who need emergency shelter, are welcome.

This is also an opportunity to link up with the sponsoring organization, Kingston Cares. If you are interested in volunteering with the program for the first time or are looking to renew your involvement, contact Michele Moen at DEM, 360-307-5881 or MMoen@co.kitsap.wa.us.

Volunteers work five-hour shifts in teams and sign in and welcome guests, provide supplies, visit, and host. If you are unable to work a full shift, consider signing up to help with shower coordination from 6:30-9 p.m. on shelter nights, or sign up as a morning manager, helping to tidy up, stow supplies and do laundry from 6 – 7 a.m.

The showers are new, offering a welcome addition to the “port in the storm”; Kingston Cares also provides bedding, cots, dry clothes, snacks, games, conversation and friendship.

Jason McMillan of DEM is working on a procedure manual for the new venue. Hours of operation are 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Residents are notified of shelter openings by local businesses, social service agencies, Kitsap Transit, banners, signs, and word of mouth.

As more volunteers sign up, share the word with friends and neighbors as Kingston Cares is always in need of more help.

Kingston Cares is also collecting Westside Pizza Points (found on the front inside tab of take-out boxes) to redeem for pizza for shelter guests. A “Pizza Point deposit box” can be found at Downpour Brewing and Westside Pizza.

For more information, call Marilyn Bode, 360-297-2213.