With winter approaching, the need for the unsheltered in Central Bucks County to find a safe, warm bed for the night grows more critical. And, so too does the need for volunteers to staff the church shelters supporting the work of the Coalition to Shelter and Support the Homeless.
From December through March, CSSH operates Code Blue temporary shelters at four area churches on the coldest nights of the year — when temperatures drop to 26 degrees or lower, including the wind chill — said Terry Lang, president of CSSH’s board of directors.
“It takes 14 volunteers for every night we’re open,” said Lang. “We were open 60 nights last winter, and that was a warm one compared to many recent years. That translates to 732 nights of overnight shelter, rest and a warm meal and hygiene, what we call ‘heads in beds’ statistics. We think that demonstrates the true impact of our mission in relieving human suffering.”
Currently, “very thorough” training for new Code Blue volunteers is underway, both online and in-person, Lang said. Volunteers, from van drivers who transport guests to shelter workers and clean-up crews, are needed. Shelters are open from 7:30 p.m. to 6:45 a.m.
Shifts are broken into various times, with volunteers choosing the time they want to be involved.
“It’s a very flexible way to make a difference,” Lang said. “You’re never alone. You’re always paired with another volunteer and there’s always someone you can call. There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Guests receive a pillow, inflatable mattress and bedding. They are also given a hot meal, provided by the host church, breakfast in the morning and a bagged lunch.
It’s our volunteers, said Lang, who “provide support, empathy and encouragement for guests grappling with stress, shame and the anxiety of homelessness.”
“It’s an easy way to give back,” she said.
Shelters are provided in each of the four months, with each of the host churches taking a month. The churches include Neshaminy-Warwick Presbyterian, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Doylestown Presbyterian and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
To learn more, visit www.co2ssh.org/new-volunteer-training.
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