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Severe Weather Shelter
for Kitsap County

Shelter for the homeless on severe weather nights.

URGENT NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS

The Kingston Severe Weather Shelter operates at the Village Green during the winter from November 1 through April 1 of each year.

We still needs dedicated volunteers to staff the shelter and welcome our guests.

To volunteer for the Severe Weather Shelter please complete the volunteer application

For questions, please email ruthkcac@gmail.com and someone will get back to you promptly!

Volunteer training sessions are scheduled at the
Village Green 6:30-8pm, Nov. 14 and Dec. 7. 

How else can you help?

SPECIFIC DONATIONS NEEDED:

  • Wool socks
  • Wool or synthetic warm hats
  • Long insulated raincoat with hood (L, XL, OR XXL)
  • Extra warm men’s gloves (L, XL, XXL) (water resistant/warm—no fleece)
  • Men’s briefs X.L AND XXL (black preferred)
  • Thermals top/bottom XL AND XXL (black preferred
  • T-shirts XL AND XXL (black preferred)
  • Extra warm men’s gloves (XL, XXL)
Please place donated items in the box at the Village Green!   
Monetary donations may be made to Kingston Cares at their website: Kingstoncares.org

Thank-you!

Icy park in winter

FAQ About Volunteering

When are volunteers needed and how does scheduling work?

The shelter is only “activated” (open) when the temperature falls below freezing or when it snows or rains one inch or more. If the forecast predicts these conditions at any point during the shelter season (November 1 – March 31), you will receive an email listing the expected activation dates. You let us know via email which dates and shifts work for you and our scheduler will get back to you ASAP.

What happens during each shift?
  • 5:30 pm – 10 pm:  The check-in crew sets up the shelter amenities, registers guests, and settles them in for the night.
  • 10 pm – 2 am:  The night crew monitors the building and ensures that everyone is safe and quiet.
  • 2 am – 6:30 am: The check-out crew wakes the guests and helps them depart the shelter by 6:30 am.
  • 6 am – 8 am: The cleanup crew breaks down the shelter amenities and does the required cleaning.
What’s required of shelter volunteers?
  • You must be registered with the Kitsap County Dept. of Emergency Management. The process involves filling out several forms and being subject to a background check.
  • You must be reliable. We need to count on you to staff the shifts you sign up for and let us know a.s.a.p. if you can’t make it so we can fill your spot.
  • You should have reliable transportation and feel confident in your ability to reach the shelter — even in hazardous conditions.
  • Ideally, you should be flexible. Our most treasured volunteers are those who are able to staff any shift, especially when we find ourselves shorthanded.
Are there any measures in place to ensure volunteer safety?
  • Building security. On activation nights, all the exterior Village Green doors are locked except one. Our volunteer station sits adjacent to that door, which guests may only enter until 9 pm. After that, check-in closes, and the building stays locked until morning.
  • Support systems. We train volunteers on site at the Village Green so they know what to expect and how things work. We assign two volunteers to each crew, teaming new people with experienced staff so there’s always someone in-the-know on hand. And our shelter manager is available by phone at all times whenever the shelter is open.
  • Outside assistance. The Kingston shelter is known for being a quiet, calm, and safe haven for overnight guests. Since opening in 2013, there have only been two situations in which our volunteers felt the need for outside assistance. In both cases, local law enforcement responded swiftly and effectively.

Need more info before you feel ready to volunteer?
Please contact us at ruthkcac@gmail.com. We’ll get right back to you.

Shelter icon

The Kingston Shelter System

During normal operations, Kingston Cares partners with the Village Green Community Center and Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management, and Housing and Homelessness organizations to provide shelter for the homeless in our community during periods of inclement weather.

  • Village Green provides the building and space for the emergency shelter.
  • Kitsap County trains shelter volunteers and determines when the shelter will be open.
  • Kingston Cares schedules the volunteers and sets up the shelter when activated by Kitsap County. 

How can you help?

Join our group of volunteers!

Help us staff the shelter during inclement weather.

To volunteer for the Severe Weather Shelter, you must fill out the Emergency Worker Registration Form with Kitsap County.

Severe Weather Shelter volunteers

Donate to Kingston Cares

We rely on you!
To effectively run the shelter and address needs of the clients, additional monetary support is required.  Please Donate!

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