The Kingston Severe Weather shelter, now in its 10th year, needs additional volunteers to open this winter.

The shelter, sponsored by Kingston Cares and hosted at the Village Green Community Center, 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 warm place to stay with a cot, bedding, shower and warm beverages. Socks, gloves, toiletries, bus tokens and gift cards to local eateries are often available, as provided by the community through donations to Kingston Cares. Volunteers work shifts of approximately five hours in pairs, and at least six volunteers a night are required. The county provides training materials. New volunteers are paired with experienced workers. All volunteers must pass a background check. Training will be at Village Green from 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 14 and Dec. 7.

Helen Hoover, a volunteer and supporter who stepped down as a shelter worker in 2019 at the age of 91, writes: ”Although not normally a night owl, I started volunteering for the Severe Weather Shelter so that I would feel better about having a warm, comfortable place to sleep on cold nights while so many others have nothing.” Some volunteers report making friends with other volunteers and guests with whom they might otherwise not have come in contact. They take advantage of the quiet early morning hours to read, write holiday cards, catch up on computer work or just visit with others.

A large pool of volunteers is needed since shortages often occur due to winter travels, illness and inability to get to the shelter because of road conditions. The shelter has only half the number of volunteers needed to open consistently. For details go to www.kingstoncares.org or email ruthkcac@gmail.com.