It is getting cold again. Temperatures are dropping into the high 30’s and that means it is time to turn our attention to those who are homeless.
In several cities across Clatsop County, you will find groups of volunteers organizing and staging community warming centers aimed at protecting the homeless population from extreme weather conditions.
One of those warming centers is in Warrenton at the Calvary Assembly of God church on Main Street. The church, which has a large 10,000 square foot gymnasium, offers beds for up to 15 people, along with some basic foods, such as soups for dinner and muffins for breakfast.
The decision on whether the warming center will be open is based in large part on the weather forecast.
A decision is made 24 hours in advance, and is based on the expected temperatures for that date. If temperatures fall below 38 degrees, you will find the doors open from 8:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m.
The warming center is fully staffed by volunteers, but is in desperate need of a part-time volunteer/small stipend scheduler and is always in need of additional shift volunteers.
The center relies on people to volunteer for short, three-hour shifts with two persons scheduled at each shift.
Training is required before volunteering and a free two-hour training session is scheduled this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Calvary Assembly of God church at 1365 SW Main Street in Warrenton.
The Warrenton warming center is a non-profit organization and has the following individuals as board members: Darlene Warren, Board Chair, Leah Sharpe, Secretary, Karen Halverson, Treasurer, Mat Workman, Board Member, Rick Newton, Board Member, Elle Wolf, Board Member, Tracy MacDonald, Board Member
People interested in volunteering and receiving training can visit the Facebook event page and register to attend.
