"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20
Serving at the Overflow Homeless Shelter
Now that the weather is turning cooler the Homeless Council of Winston-Salem has begun the implementation of plans for the winter of 2010. As you might expect, due to the economy and limited resources, things will be a bit different than last year. Based on a thorough analysis of attendance from years past, the primary agencies providing shelter have agreed on a simpler operation. Bethesda Center for the Homeless, Samaritan Ministries and The Winston Salem Rescue Mission will cover the demand for shelter for most of the season. When they can predict on short notice (one to two day ahead) that cold weather will over fill the current shelters, they will return to First Baptist on a night by night basis. Put simply, they will not need as many volunteers as last year.
Where the new plan will need volunteers is on a short notice basis and their hope is to start a "Last Minute Club". For volunteers who are willing to help on short notice, they will send out an email indicating a need to cover shifts for the specified evening(s). If you are available, you would respond and they would later confirm times and details. They understand that if you are signing up, it is no guarantee of your availability. Signing up is stating simply that "I am willing to be asked on a short notice basis". If you can make it for a particular night, please notify them. If you can not, do not respond to the email.
If this sounds like a system that might fit into your schedule, please respond only by email to the coordinator below. Telephone will not be used to set up volunteer schedules.
Daniel Burress, Volunteer Coordinator
Emergency Homeless Overflow Shelter
