Coalition to Shelter & Support the Homeless
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people typically utilize the shelter?
On average we have anywhere from 15 up to 25 guests on any given night that we open the shelter.
What is the criteria to decide when to open the shelter?
CSSH opens the shelter when the weather is predicted to be 26 degrees or colder due to temperature or wind chill and if severe weather is predicted.
What is it like at the shelter?
The guests come in and retire almost as soon as they finish eating. The shelter is very quiet and the guests are contented to be able to lie down and sleep.
Are guests allowed to bring pets to the shelter?
Pets are not allowed at the shelter. Unfortunately, because it is a congregate sleeping environment, we cannot accommodate pets for the safety and comfort of the other guests.
How many volunteers are required to operate the shelter?
There must be 14 volunteers to staff the shelter in various shifts throughout the night.
I'm a new Volunteer, can I come and observe at the shelter before I sign up?
Absolutely, in fact, it is a great idea. Once you have completed training and been cleared by our staff, you can come in on any open night to observe, ask questions, and pitch in. This is a good time to chat with guests over dinner or coffee, to help them relax and share concerns, or to just play cards or a board game to raise morale and build trust.
A spouse/friend is signed up for a shift, but there aren't any open shifts for me, can I come along and help out?
Yes, trained volunteers may come along with a spouse or friend who is filling a shift so that you can serve together. There is always something that needs to be done.
What happens if there are not enough volunteers to open the shelter?
The shelter will not open if the volunteer slots are not filled by Sunday at 9 pm for Monday - Thursday shifts and Thursday by 9 pm for Friday - Sunday shifts.
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Can you sign up for two consecutive slots?
Yes, you can sign up for two slots. For example, you can sign up for the first and second overnight shift consecutively on the same night.
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Can I bring something to do at the shelter?
Yes, quiet activities, which the volunteer can do during the night shift, are allowed.
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What happens if the roads are too dangerous to travel on?
If a volunteer cannot get to the shelter they need to call the Shelter Manager On-Call as soon as possible so that a ride or alternate volunteer can be found.
Question about Driver and Attendant Training?
Please email your questions to transportation@co2ssh.org.