While not a client of the shelters, I have visited the shelters.

I also have been around a fair amount of homeless due to where I live.

My first thing would be to establish a thing where 2nd shift labor could “stay a few hours late” and 1st shift could come in early…3rd shift…that’s your daylight so up to you.

Honestly I’d work with local employers to push this option. You work a half a shift after/before your shift once a month you get PTO/OT. A ton of technical nuance from an HR standpoint but it’s a start.

I know the human body is very adaptable…I work outside. I don’t live outside.

Yes, the shelters are in churches but they aren’t out there making you take in a sermon to be warm.

I can think of a couple specific homeless folks I know and have seen in the past month who I know will enter winter starting tonight. One should honestly be in long term mental care and the other seems very experienced.

I say this…if you are willing to work a half a shift late or a half a shift early or an overnight or maybe less…maybe once a month for PTO, a shortened workweek or whatever, suggest this to your boss. They may say we can only do a person a week or whatever reality…but it’s real life. And helpful.

Real.questuon. if they're faced with closing due to a shortage of volunteers, why can the homeless who are using the shelter not act as volunteers?

Anyone have information on locale? I'd be more than happy to volunteer for this weekend given the drastic cold but the office is closed currently.

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