The Ferndale Community Service Cooperative is working to set up a temporary severe weather shelter this winter. This would provide a safe, warm place to sleep for individuals and families that have lost power or have nowhere warm to stay when the weather gets extremely cold.
The shelter would be activated at a church in Ferndale when the overnight low is forecasted at 28°F or below (wind chill and precipitation can also be factors) and volunteers will be contacted as soon as possible to sign up for shifts. Volunteers would greet and sign in guests, make coffee, hand out snacks, and monitor the front door and sleeping guests throughout the night.
Volunteers will receive 3 hours of training including on-site orientation and a community course focused on de-escalation techniques, trauma-informed care, and boundary setting.
“This shelter could mean the difference between a warm bed and a very difficult or dangerous situation,” said Program Coordinator and Councilmember Kate Bishop. “We just need a few caring individuals willing to help.”
More details and the volunteer application are available on the Community Service Cooperative website here.