The Silverdale Severe Weather Shelter is at risk of not being to open this winter if more volunteers don’t step up.

The shelter is housed at the Silverdale Community Church. It is staffed from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. on nights when the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management’s weather prediction includes freezing temperatures, excessive rain, snow or other extreme conditions.

Shelter guests are provided with a cot, clean bedding, light food and beverages. Donations from the community of essentials such as socks, gloves, toiletries, clothes, sleeping bags and bus tokens are given out, as available. A large pool of volunteers is necessary to staff the shelter as openings occur without much prior notice. If the shelter isn’t fully staffed by the morning deadline, the shelter cannot open, leaving people exposed overnight to the weather conditions.

When the shelter is open, two volunteers are needed for each of the three 5-hour shifts. If you think you might be interested come to an orientation Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at 9982 Silverdale Way NW. The shelter season runs from Nov. 1 though March 31. “While it’s not for everyone,” shelter manager Maggie Stasny said, “you’ll never know if this is your passion unless you try.”

Call her at 218-585-9101 or email scheduler Amy Roszak at SWShelterSilverdale@gmail.com.