UWKV Supports Warming Centers with Volunteer Recruitment
We were grateful to help extreme cold weather warming centers connect with critical volunteers in both Shawnee and Douglas counties during the most recent winter storm.
Regional Volunteer Coordinator Monroe Hanson is our key staff member who helps build and manage warming center volunteer opportunities on our KawValleyVolunteers.org site at the request of the center partners. This relieves some of the load on the warming center staff, many of who are already working overtime to keep our unsheltered neighbors safe in dangerous temperatures. Thanks to Monroe for the valuable technical assistance they provide to all our KawValleyVolunteers.org users!
Partners in the Topeka warming centers were led by Topeka Rescue Mission Ministries and included UWKV, Astra Mental Health and Recovery, Street Dog Coalition. Street Team Ministry, and Parker New Hope Food Pantry. The Topeka warming centers closed at noon on Monday, January 26.
Preliminary reports in Topeka for the four shelters and one warming station indicated that just under 200 people were sheltered during the severe temeperatures and snow. Additional and regular outreach was provided to unsheltered neighbors who opted not to come indoors. Street Dog Coalition offered care in a space where guests were able to stay with their beloved animals. More than 245 people were also welcomed in TRM shelters under cold weather exceptions.Thanks to everyone who helped make sure all these humans (and some pets) were safe and seen.
In Lawrence, UWKV helped recruit volunteers for overnight shelter at The City of Lawrence/Lawrence Community Shelter at First United Methodist Church. The Lawrence warming center is currently recruiting one community volunteer each night and is currently expected to remain open through most of February. For volunteer information go to KawValleyVolunteers.org.
Warming center plans are subject to change. Watch social media for additional activations and volunteer opportunities.